Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is the most common type of network topology used in homes and offices called?

1. Bus

2. Mesh

3. Star

4. Tree

The correct answer is: Star

The most common type of network topology used in homes and offices is known as the star topology. This configuration centers around a single hub or switch to which all devices connect individually. The star topology is favored for several reasons. Firstly, it simplifies the management of network devices; if one device fails, it does not impact the entire network because all devices are connected to the central hub. This makes troubleshooting easier since issues can be isolated to a specific connection. Secondly, star topology enhances performance, as there is a direct path for data to travel between devices and the hub, reducing the potential for data collisions that are more frequent in other topologies like bus configurations. Lastly, the star topology allows for easy scalability. New devices can be added without disrupting the existing network, simply by connecting them to the hub. This flexibility makes it especially suitable for environments that may need to expand quickly, such as homes and offices. In contrast, the other topologies—bus, mesh, and tree—each have their own complexities and limitations which make them less desirable for everyday use in smaller or less complex environments.