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Difficulty: MediumNetwork Topologies and Types

A network engineering team is evaluating WAN deployment models to interconnect several mission-critical data center sites. They are considering implementing a full-mesh physical topology to maximize overall system availability.

Which of the following statements accurately describe the operational characteristics and design trade-offs of a full-mesh network topology? (Select TWO.)

  1. The total number of direct physical point-to-point links required to connect nn sites is calculated using the formula n(n−1)2\frac{n(n - 1)}{2}.Answer
  2. It provides complete redundancy, ensuring network traffic can be rerouted if any individual link experiences a physical outage.Answer
  3. C
    It forces all connected sites into a single Layer 2 broadcast domain, eliminating the need for Layer 3 routing devices.
  4. D
    Administrative overhead and cabling costs scale linearly (O(n)O(n)) as additional physical sites are added to the network.

Answer

The correct statements are that the formula n(n−1)2\frac{n(n - 1)}{2} determines the required link count for nn nodes, and that full-mesh topologies offer complete redundancy against single link failures.
A full-mesh network provides maximum redundancy by connecting every node directly to every other node using n(n−1)2\frac{n(n - 1)}{2} links. This structural redundancy ensures that traffic can be dynamically rerouted around any single point-to-point link failure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze full-mesh connectivity requirements
Each node must have a dedicated connection to every other (n−1)(n - 1) node, yielding n(n−1)2\frac{n(n - 1)}{2} total physical links.
This formula accurately accounts for bi-directional unique links between all nodes without double-counting.
2
Evaluate fault tolerance and redundancy
High availability is maintained because alternate physical paths exist between all sites.
Redundant links prevent any single line outage from partitioning the network.
3
Identify misconceptions regarding routing and scaling
Full-mesh physical topologies do not flatten Layer 3 boundaries, and cabling grows quadratically (O(n2)O(n^2)), not linearly.
Confusing physical link layout with Layer 2 broadcast domains or assuming linear growth leads to improper network design assumptions.

Key Concept

Full-Mesh Topology Link Calculation and Redundancy Characteristics
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Network Topologies and Types

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