TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

Which topology connects each device to its neighboring device?

1. Star

2. Ring

3. Tree

4. Bus

The correct answer is: Ring

In a ring topology, each device is connected directly to its two neighboring devices, forming a circular pathway for data transmission. This configuration allows data to pass from one device to another in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner, depending on the specific implementation of the ring. The layout ensures that each device only needs to communicate with its immediate neighbors for information exchange, which can reduce the complexity involved in transmitting data compared to other topologies. For example, if one device sends data, it travels around the ring until it reaches the intended recipient. This method of connection can facilitate data collision management through token passing, where a special data packet, known as a token, is passed around the ring to control access to the network. In contrast, a star topology connects all devices to a central hub or switch, which can introduce a single point of failure. A tree topology is a hierarchical variation of star topology, which is not focused on neighboring devices but rather on parent-child relationships among nodes. A bus topology connects all devices to a single communication line but doesn’t connect them to neighboring devices specifically; each device listens to the same medium. Thus, the defining characteristic of a ring topology is its interconnection of neighboring devices, making it the correct choice here.