Which topology allows for one malfunctioning node to not affect the rest of the network?

Which topology allows for one malfunctioning node to not affect the rest of the network?

• A. Star Topology
• B. Bus Topology
• C. Full Mesh Topology
• D. Partial Mesh Topology

Answer: (A)

In a star topology, all nodes are connected to a central hub or switch. This arrangement allows for significant resilience in the network because if one node (for instance, a computer) experiences a failure, it does not disrupt the communication between the other nodes connected to the hub. The hub acts as a central point for data transmission, meaning that each node communicates independently with the hub. Therefore, the failure of a single node only affects that specific connection, while all other nodes continue to operate normally. This configuration stands in contrast to other topologies, such as bus and mesh. In a bus topology, all devices share a single communication line; hence, if there's a fault in the bus or one of the devices, it can affect the entire network. Mesh, whether full or partial, offers redundancy and can also handle node failures effectively, but the star topology remains the most straightforward and commonly used configuration for preventing a single node failure from impacting the entire network.

In a star topology, all nodes are connected to a central hub or switch. This arrangement allows for significant resilience in the network because if one node (for instance, a computer) experiences a failure, it does not disrupt the communication between the other nodes connected to the hub. The hub acts as a central point for data transmission, meaning that each node communicates independently with the hub. Therefore, the failure of a single node only affects that specific connection, while all other nodes continue to operate normally.

This configuration stands in contrast to other topologies, such as bus and mesh. In a bus topology, all devices share a single communication line; hence, if there's a fault in the bus or one of the devices, it can affect the entire network. Mesh, whether full or partial, offers redundancy and can also handle node failures effectively, but the star topology remains the most straightforward and commonly used configuration for preventing a single node failure from impacting the entire network.