Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

The simplest network topology connecting one device to another along a backbone is a ________ topology.

1. bus

2. fishbone

3. ring

4. star

The correct answer is: bus

The bus topology is characterized by a single central cable, known as the backbone, to which all network devices are connected. In this arrangement, data sent from one device travels along the backbone and is accessible to all other devices attached. Its simplicity stems from the straightforward nature of having only one main cable, making it easy to set up and extend. This topology is particularly effective for small networks where the volume of traffic is manageable, allowing for quick data transmission. The implementation of this topology is economical since it requires fewer cables compared to more complex arrangements. However, the bus topology can have limitations, such as difficulties in troubleshooting and performance degradation as more devices are connected, which is a key consideration in larger or busier network environments. Other topologies such as ring, star, and fishbone have more complex layouts that involve multiple cables and connections, which makes them less straightforward than the bus configuration when it comes to connecting just two devices.