100-150 Question 31
Single answerA small business is setting up a network to connect its office devices. The business owner wants the network to remain operational even if one connection fails, and they need to minimize latency caused by unnecessary data loops. Which physical or logical topology would best suit their needs?
- A
Star topology
- B
Bus topology
- C
Ring topology
- D
Mesh topology
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
A mesh topology is the best choice for a fault-tolerant network setup because it provides multiple paths between devices. Even if one connection fails, data can be rerouted through alternative paths, ensuring continuous operation. Additionally, proper routing protocols can help eliminate data loops, reducing latency and improving performance.
- A. Incorrect.
In a star topology, all devices connect to a central hub. If the hub fails, the entire network goes down, which doesn't meet the requirement for fault tolerance.
- B. Incorrect.
In a bus topology, all devices share a single communication line. If the main cable fails, the network stops functioning, and it doesn't provide redundancy.
- C. Incorrect.
In a ring topology, devices are connected in a closed loop. While it can remain operational with some mechanisms, it is prone to failure if specific nodes or links go down.
- D. Correct.
A mesh topology connects devices in such a way that multiple paths exist between devices. This ensures redundancy and fault tolerance, as the network can reroute traffic if one link fails. It also minimizes unnecessary loops with proper routing protocols.