Network CS Thinking Example 3
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 3
mediumDescribe two network topologies (star and mesh) and give one advantage and one disadvantage of each.
Solution
- 1 Step 1: Star topology: all devices connect to a central switch/hub. Advantage: if one device fails, others are unaffected. Disadvantage: if the central switch fails, the entire network goes down.
- 2 Step 2: Mesh topology: every device connects to every other device. Advantage: highly reliable — multiple paths mean no single point of failure. Disadvantage: expensive and complex due to the large number of connections.
Answer
Star: central hub (reliable per-device, single point of failure at hub). Mesh: all-to-all (very reliable, expensive/complex).
Network topology affects reliability, cost, and performance. Most real networks use hybrid designs — star topology within offices (cheap, practical) with mesh-like redundancy between critical nodes.
About Network
A group of interconnected computing devices that can communicate and share resources with each other. Networks range from small local area networks (LANs) connecting devices in one building to wide area networks (WANs) spanning cities or countries, up to the global internet.
Learn more about Network →More Network Examples
Example 1 easy
What is a computer network? Describe two benefits of connecting computers in a school network.
Example 2 mediumExplain the difference between a LAN and a WAN. Give an example of each.
Example 4 hardExplain the client-server and peer-to-peer network models. For a school, which model is more appropr