N10-009 Question 104
Single answer1.6 Compare and contrast network topologies, architectures, and types.A manufacturing company is renovating a large warehouse and needs to add network connectivity for handheld scanners, security cameras, and a small number of office workstations on a new mezzanine. Running new copper cabling to every device is expensive because the ceiling space is limited. The network administrator proposes installing several wireless access points that connect back to the wired network, while office workstations in the mezzanine will still use wired drops to a central switch. Which topology and architecture best describe this design?
- A
Bus topology with peer-to-peer architecture
- B
Star topology with client-server architecture
- C
Ring topology with peer-to-peer architecture
- D
Mesh topology with client-server architecture
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
This scenario tests the difference between topology and architecture. Topology refers to how devices are interconnected, while architecture refers to how hosts interact logically. In modern Ethernet LANs, the most common physical topology is a star, with endpoints connecting to a central switch or, in the case of wireless devices, to an access point that uplinks into the wired infrastructure. This remains effectively a star topology from an access-layer perspective. The architecture is client-server because enterprise endpoints typically depend on centralized resources such as DHCP, DNS, directory services, NVR platforms for cameras, and application servers. This aligns with standard networking design guidance used in enterprise LANs and reflected in CompTIA Network+ objectives covering topologies, architectures, and network types.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A bus topology uses a single shared backbone segment, which is not how modern Ethernet and WLAN deployments are typically designed. The scenario describes endpoints connecting through access points and a central switch, not a shared coaxial bus. Peer-to-peer architecture is also not indicated because enterprise devices such as scanners, cameras, and workstations usually rely on centralized services such as authentication, file access, and management.
- B. Correct.
Correct. The physical design described is a star topology because devices connect through centralized infrastructure components, specifically wireless access points and a central switch. Even though some endpoints are wireless, they still associate to an access point that uplinks to the network, preserving a star-style layout. The architecture is best described as client-server because the endpoints are expected to consume centralized network services rather than operate as equals in a peer-to-peer model.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A ring topology requires devices or network nodes to be connected in a circular path, which is not shown in this scenario. Modern enterprise access-layer networks are not commonly deployed as rings for endpoint connectivity. Peer-to-peer is also not supported by the scenario because the organization is using managed infrastructure and likely centralized services.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A full or partial mesh topology involves nodes having multiple interconnections for redundancy, which is common in backbone, WAN, or wireless backhaul designs, not in a basic warehouse access network for endpoints. The scenario does not describe multiple redundant links among access points or switches. While client-server architecture could exist in the environment, the topology itself is not mesh.