Question

Difficulty: MediumNetwork Topologies and Types

Match each network classification or physical/logical topology on the left with its corresponding architectural design characteristic on the right.

  • Storage Area Network (SAN)Dedicated high-speed network providing block-level storage access to servers using specialized storage protocols.
  • Campus Area Network (CAN)Network connecting multiple distinct local area networks across adjacent buildings within a contiguous geographical boundary.
  • Full Mesh TopologyRedundant layout where every node maintains a direct point-to-point connection to every other node, maximizing fault tolerance.
  • Logical Bus TopologyData transmission arrangement where all nodes share a common broadcast medium and single collision domain regardless of physical wiring.

Answer

Storage Area Network (SAN) matches with 'Dedicated high-speed network providing block-level storage access to servers using specialized storage protocols.' Campus Area Network (CAN) matches with 'Network connecting multiple distinct local area networks across adjacent buildings within a contiguous geographical boundary.' Full Mesh Topology matches with 'Redundant layout where every node maintains a direct point-to-point connection to every other node, maximizing fault tolerance.' Logical Bus Topology matches with 'Data transmission arrangement where all nodes share a common broadcast medium and single collision domain regardless of physical wiring.'
Each network concept is correctly paired with its specific operational scope and structural characteristic: SAN for block-level storage networking, CAN for multi-building contiguous campus connections, Full Mesh for complete point-to-point node redundancy, and Logical Bus for shared broadcast/collision domain behavior.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze storage-specific network architectures.
Identified Storage Area Network (SAN) as the dedicated network designed for block-level storage transfer.
SANs isolate storage traffic from enterprise LAN traffic using protocols like Fibre Channel or iSCSI.
2
Differentiate geographic network scopes.
Identified Campus Area Network (CAN) as the link between multiple LANs across contiguous corporate or university buildings.
CAN scope is larger than a single LAN but smaller and more geographically unified than a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
3
Evaluate high-availability physical topologies.
Matched Full Mesh Topology to the design requiring direct connections between all node pairs.
Full mesh formula n(n-1)/2 calculates total required links ensuring maximum redundancy.
4
Distinguish physical wiring from logical traffic flow.
Matched Logical Bus Topology to shared medium access and single collision domain behavior.
Logical topology defines electrical signal path and media access rules independently of physical cabling arrangement.

Key Concept

Network Topologies and Geographic Classifications
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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