Network Topologies

    AQA
    GCSE

    Network topology defines the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections within a computer network, determining how data is transmitted and managed. Candidates must distinguish between Star, Mesh (full and partial), Bus, and Ring topologies, analyzing their specific architectural advantages regarding fault tolerance, scalability, and implementation cost. The impact of topology on network performance, specifically regarding data collisions, bottlenecks, and redundancy, is central to high-level understanding. Mastery involves evaluating the suitability of specific topologies for given scenarios, such as critical infrastructure requiring high redundancy versus cost-sensitive local area networks.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award 1 mark for stating that in a Star topology, all devices connect individually to a central network device (switch or server).
    • Award 1 mark for explaining that a Mesh topology provides high reliability because data can be routed along multiple paths if a connection fails.
    • Credit responses that identify the central switch as a single point of failure in a Star network; if it fails, the entire network goes down.
    • Award 1 mark for noting that full Mesh networks are expensive and complex to install due to the high volume of cabling required.
    • Credit the explanation that Star topologies tend to have fewer data collisions than bus topologies because the switch manages data traffic.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award 1 mark for stating that in a Star topology, all devices connect individually to a central network device (switch or server).
    • Award 1 mark for explaining that a Mesh topology provides high reliability because data can be routed along multiple paths if a connection fails.
    • Credit responses that identify the central switch as a single point of failure in a Star network; if it fails, the entire network goes down.
    • Award 1 mark for noting that full Mesh networks are expensive and complex to install due to the high volume of cabling required.
    • Credit the explanation that Star topologies tend to have fewer data collisions than bus topologies because the switch manages data traffic.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When asked to justify a topology for a specific scenario (e.g., a hospital), explicitly link 'redundancy' to 'critical systems'—don't just list generic advantages.
    • 💡Use the phrase 'single point of failure' when discussing the disadvantages of the central switch in a Star topology; this is high-tariff technical terminology.
    • 💡In comparison questions, ensure you use connective language like 'whereas' or 'however' to contrast the two topologies directly, rather than writing two separate descriptions.
    • 💡Remember that adding a device to a Star network is easy and does not disrupt the network, whereas adding to a Full Mesh requires connecting to every existing node.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Identifying the central node in a Star network exclusively as a 'server'; examiners require recognition that this is typically a 'switch' in local area networks.
    • Stating that Mesh networks are simply 'faster' without qualification; the primary benefit is reliability and redundancy, not necessarily raw bandwidth speed.
    • Confusing the failure implications: students often incorrectly state that if one cable breaks in a Star network, the whole network fails (this is true for Bus, not Star).
    • Failing to distinguish between 'Full Mesh' (every node connected to every other) and 'Partial Mesh' when discussing cost implications.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    State
    Explain
    Compare
    Draw
    Justify

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