Topology Comparison Table
Part of Network Topologies · GCSE GCSE Computer Science revision
This comparison covers Topology Comparison Table within Network Topologies for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Network Topologies in 3.5 Fundamentals of Computer Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 16 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 8 of 12 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 8 of 12
Practice
16 questions
Recall
18 flashcards
Topology Comparison Table
| Aspect | Star | Bus | Ring | Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Central switch with devices radiating out | Single main cable, devices tap in | Devices in closed loop | Multiple interconnections |
| Cabling Cost | Moderate (cable to each device) | Low (single backbone) | Moderate (each device connects twice) | Very High (many connections) |
| Reliability | Moderate (switch failure = all down) | Low (cable break = all down) | Low (one failure = all down) | Very High (multiple paths) |
| Performance | High (switch manages traffic) | Degrades with load | Consistent (token system) | Very High (multiple paths) |
| Scalability | Easy (plug into switch) | Moderate (tap into bus) | Difficult (break ring) | Very Difficult (many connections) |
| Troubleshooting | Easy (isolated connections) | Difficult (locate break) | Difficult (find break in ring) | Complex (many paths) |
| Single Point of Failure? | Yes (central switch) | Yes (backbone cable) | Yes (any break) | No (redundant paths) |
| Common Use | Homes, offices, schools | Obsolete (legacy only) | Obsolete (legacy only) | Critical systems, ISP backbone |
| Modern Relevance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (dominant) | Obsolete | Obsolete | ⭐⭐⭐ (niche/critical) |
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Network Topologies. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Network Topologies
In a star network topology, all devices connect to which central component?
State two advantages of a mesh network topology. [2 marks]
Quick Recall Flashcards
16 questions on Network Topologies — practise free
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