Network Topologies: 28 MCQs with answers

Two

In a ring topology, each device connects to exactly two neighbors, forming a circular data path.

In one direction around the ring

In a basic ring, data circulates in a single direction, passing through each intermediate node until it reaches the destination.

It is passed to the next station

If a station does not need to transmit, it simply forwards the token to the next station in the ring.

Data flows in only one direction

In a unidirectional ring, data travels in a single direction, passing through each node in sequence until it reaches the destination.

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Data packets are passed along the ring, and each node checks if the packet is addressed to it. If not, it forwards it to the next node. The packet is not broadcast to all nodes simultaneously.

False

Data packets are passed along the ring, and each node checks if the packet is addressed to it. If not, it forwards it to the next node. The packet is not broadcast to all nodes simultaneously.

To two other devices

In a ring topology, each device connects to exactly two others, forming a closed loop.

A token

Data flow in a ring topology is often controlled by a token, which helps minimize collisions.

Single point of failure

Ring topology is vulnerable to a single point of failure, meaning if one device fails, the entire network can go down.

Data travels in a loop

In ring topology, data travels from node to node in a loop, as each device is connected to two others.

SONET

SONET is a high-reliability fiber network that uses principles of ring topology.

Minimizes data collisions

The use of a token in a ring topology minimizes data collisions by controlling which device can transmit data.

The entire network can go down

If a device fails in a ring topology, it can cause the entire network to go down due to its single point of failure.

A closed loop

Ring topology is characterized by a closed loop where each device connects to two others.

High-reliability fiber networks

Ring topology is less common in modern LANs but is used in high-reliability fiber networks like SONET and FDDI.

In one direction from node to node

In a standard ring topology, data travels in one direction from node to node around the ring.

A single node failure can disrupt the entire network

Because data flows through every node, a failure in any one node breaks the ring and halts communication for the whole network.

Dual-ring topology

A dual-ring topology uses a second ring to reroute data if a node fails, providing redundancy and fault tolerance.

Token passing

Ring networks often use a token, a special data frame, that circulates around the ring. A device can only transmit when it holds the token.

No data collisions

Ring topology, especially with token passing, inherently avoids data collisions because only the token holder can transmit. Bus topology relies on CSMA, which can cause collisions.

Breaking the ring and reconnecting two links

To insert a new node, the ring must be broken at some point and the new device inserted between two existing nodes, which can disrupt the network temporarily.

Token Ring (IEEE 802.5)

Token Ring, standardized as IEEE 802.5, is a classic example of a ring topology network.

To provide redundancy and fault tolerance

The second ring acts as a backup. If a node or link fails, data can be rerouted using the second ring, keeping the network operational.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) like SONET/SDH

Ring topologies are often used in MANs, such as SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) and SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy), due to their reliability and predictable performance.

More difficult to troubleshoot

In a star, a problem is easily isolated to a single link. In a ring, a fault can affect the entire network and is harder to pinpoint without specialized tools.

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Terminators are required in bus topology, not ring topology. In a ring, the signal circulates continuously, so there are no 'ends' to terminate.

False

Terminators are required in bus topology, not ring topology. In a ring, the signal circulates continuously, so there are no 'ends' to terminate.

The number of devices in the ring

Each packet must pass through every intermediate node, so the delay increases with the number of devices. The more nodes, the longer the average transmission time.