This comparison covers Topology Comparison Table within Network Topologies for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Network Topologies in Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 8 of 11 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 11
Practice
15 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) |