Question

Difficulty: Very hardNetwork Types and Topologies

An industrial manufacturing facility utilizes automated assembly line machinery wired in a point-to-point daisy chain configuration where each node relays signals directly to the next adjacent machine without a central interconnecting hub or switch. Concurrently, the facility's automated inventory tracking system uses high-speed Fibre Channel switches to transport block-level data exclusively between host servers and dedicated flash storage arrays located within the facility's data center. During maintenance, a technician accidentally severs a cable connecting two adjacent assembly machines, causing the entire assembly line control network to go offline. Which of the following correctly identifies the physical topology implemented on the assembly line and the network scope classification of the Fibre Channel storage infrastructure?

  1. The assembly line utilizes a physical ring topology, and the storage infrastructure is classified as a Storage Area Network (SAN).Answer
  2. B
    The assembly line utilizes a physical star topology, and the storage infrastructure is classified as a Local Area Network (LAN).
  3. C
    The assembly line utilizes a physical mesh topology, and the storage infrastructure is classified as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
  4. D
    The assembly line utilizes a physical bus topology, and the storage infrastructure is classified as a Personal Area Network (PAN).

Answer

The assembly line utilizes a physical ring topology, and the storage infrastructure is classified as a Storage Area Network (SAN).
The correct option correctly pairs physical ring topology with SAN. In a physical ring network, nodes are connected in a continuous series loop; breaking any single cable link disrupts communication for the entire ring because data must pass sequentially through neighboring nodes. High-speed, dedicated storage networks using Fibre Channel for block-level data transmission are explicitly defined as Storage Area Networks (SANs).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the physical arrangement and failure mode of the assembly line network.
Devices are connected directly to adjacent devices in a daisy chain without a central switch, and a single broken cable brings down the whole network.
This behavior and point-to-point daisy chain configuration define a physical ring (or linear bus/ring hybrid without redundant paths), where each node acts as a link in the communication loop.
2
Analyze the technical requirements and architecture of the storage system.
The infrastructure uses Fibre Channel switches to transfer block-level data exclusively between servers and storage arrays.
Dedicated networks designed specifically for high-speed, block-level storage traffic using protocols like Fibre Channel or iSCSI are classified as Storage Area Networks (SANs).
3
Combine the topology identification and network scope classification to select the matching option.
Physical ring topology combined with Storage Area Network (SAN).
Matching both technical criteria uniquely points to the correct choice.

Key Concept

Physical Ring Topology vs. Storage Area Network (SAN)
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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