Exam-style question
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Explain the difference between a physical star topology and a logical bus network topology. Include how a network with physical star wiring can operate logically as a bus.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A physical star topology has each device connected by its own physical link to a central switching device.
- A logical bus network is defined by how communication operates: devices behave as though they share one communication path.
- A network can therefore be physically wired as a star but operate logically as a bus when it uses a bus protocol and appropriate physical switching.
Explanation
Why this works
A strong answer distinguishes the actual arrangement of links from the behaviour of communication. It should identify the central switching device and separate physical links for the star, then explain that the bus protocol and appropriate switching produce logical bus behaviour.
Common mistake
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