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Difficulty: MediumNetwork Topologies and Types

A network engineer is designing an infrastructure layout for a smart factory floor containing eight automated assembly stations. To guarantee that failure of a single cable run does not isolate critical controllers while maintaining reasonable cabling costs, the engineer connects all stations to a central distribution switch and adds direct redundant interconnects only between the three highest-priority controllers. Which of the following network topologies is being implemented?

  1. Hybrid (Star-Partial Mesh) topologyAnswer
  2. B
    Full mesh topology
  3. C
    Physical bus topology
  4. D
    Logical ring topology

Answer

The network layout represents a Hybrid (Star-Partial Mesh) topology because it combines a central switch layout (star) with selective point-to-point redundant connections (partial mesh) between critical controllers.
The design combines two distinct topological concepts: a central switch to which all endpoints connect (star) and selective direct links between high-priority nodes (partial mesh). Combining these two structures results in a hybrid star-partial mesh topology, balancing fault tolerance for key nodes with overall deployment cost.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary physical connectivity layout.
Connecting all eight stations to a central distribution switch forms a physical star topology.
Centralized switch connections characterize star network architectures.
2
Analyze the redundant interconnections.
Adding direct point-to-point links specifically between selected high-priority controllers creates a partial mesh overlay.
Selective redundancy without linking every node pair is the defining trait of partial mesh.
3
Combine the structural classifications to determine the overall topology.
The combination of star and partial mesh design elements yields a hybrid topology.
Networks incorporating multiple distinct topological structures are classified as hybrid topologies.

Key Concept

Hybrid Network Topologies
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Topics

Network Topologies and Types

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