Exam-style question
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A network diagram shows six devices, each connected by a separate cable to one central switch. The network uses a bus protocol. Describe the physical topology, the logical topology and the evidence for each classification.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The physical topology is a star because each of the six devices has a separate cable leading to one central switch.
- The logical topology is a bus because the network uses a bus protocol, so its communication operates according to bus behaviour.
- The physical arrangement and the logical operation are different classifications of the same network.
Explanation
Why this works
The answer gains credit by using the diagram's physical evidence for the star classification and the stated protocol for the logical bus classification. It should not classify the network as physically bus simply because its logical behaviour is bus-like.
Common mistake
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