Network Topologies MCQs | 25 Practice Questions with Answers | CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices (IP)
Class 12 · Informatics Practices
Network Topologies MCQs (25 Questions)
Practice these multiple-choice questions to strengthen your understanding of Network Topologies. Click Show Answer to reveal the correct answer and explanation.
Q1. What is a network topology?
A. A networking software
B. The physical or logical arrangement of devices in a network
C. A network security protocol
D. A type of router
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Answer: B. The physical or logical arrangement of devices in a network.
Explanation: Network topology refers to how computers and other devices are connected in a network.
Q2. Which network topology uses a single backbone cable?
A. Star
B. Tree
C. Bus
D. Mesh
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Answer: C. Bus
Explanation: In a Bus topology, all devices are connected to one central backbone cable.
Q3. Which network topology connects every computer to a central device such as a switch or hub?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Mesh
D. Tree
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Answer: B. Star
Explanation: In a Star topology, every device has a separate connection to a central hub or switch.
Q4. Which topology resembles a hierarchical structure?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Tree
D. Mesh
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Answer: C. Tree
Explanation: Tree topology consists of multiple star networks arranged in a hierarchy.
Q5. Which topology provides a dedicated connection between every pair of devices?
A. Bus
B. Tree
C. Star
D. Mesh
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Answer: D. Mesh
Explanation: In a Mesh topology, every device is directly connected to every other device.
Q6. Which topology is easiest to install and requires the least amount of cable?
A. Mesh
B. Bus
C. Star
D. Tree
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Answer: B. Bus
Explanation: Bus topology uses a single backbone cable, making installation simple and inexpensive.
Q7. Which topology is the most commonly used in modern schools and offices?
A. Bus
B. Tree
C. Star
D. Mesh
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Answer: C. Star
Explanation: Star topology is widely used because it is reliable, easy to manage, and easy to troubleshoot.
Q8. Which topology offers the highest reliability because multiple paths are available?
A. Bus
B. Tree
C. Mesh
D. Star
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Answer: C. Mesh
Explanation: Even if one connection fails, communication can continue through other paths in a Mesh topology.
Q9. Which topology is most expensive due to the large number of cables required?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Tree
D. Mesh
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Answer: D. Mesh
Explanation: Mesh topology requires separate connections between every pair of devices, making it costly.
Q10. Which topology is created by combining multiple Star topologies?
A. Bus
B. Tree
C. Mesh
D. Ring
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Answer: B. Tree
Explanation: Tree topology combines several Star topologies in a hierarchical manner.
Q11. In which topology does failure of the backbone cable affect the entire network?
A. Star
B. Tree
C. Mesh
D. Bus
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Answer: D. Bus
Explanation: Since all devices share the same backbone cable, its failure disrupts the entire Bus network.
Q12. In a Star topology, failure of one computer usually affects:
A. The entire network
B. Only that computer
C. All connected devices
D. The server only
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Answer: B. Only that computer
Explanation: Each computer has its own connection to the central device, so failure of one device does not affect others.
Q13. Which topology is best suited for large organizations with departmental hierarchy?
A. Bus
B. Tree
C. Mesh
D. Ring
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Answer: B. Tree
Explanation: Tree topology supports hierarchical expansion and is suitable for large organizations.
Q14. Which topology provides the highest fault tolerance?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Tree
D. Mesh
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Answer: D. Mesh
Explanation: Mesh topology has multiple redundant paths, making it highly fault tolerant.
Q15. Which statement about network topologies is TRUE?
A. Bus topology uses a backbone cable.
B. Star topology uses a central device.
C. Mesh topology connects every device to every other device.
D. All of these.
Show Answer
Answer: D. All of these.
Explanation: Each topology has its own structure and characteristics as described.
Q16. A school wants to install a network where the failure of one computer should not affect the remaining computers. Which topology is the best choice?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Tree
D. Mesh
Show Answer
Answer: B. Star
Explanation: In a Star topology, each computer is connected independently to a central hub or switch. Failure of one computer does not affect the others.
Q17. Which topology is most suitable when the network needs to be expanded in a hierarchical manner?
A. Bus
B. Tree
C. Mesh
D. Star
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Answer: B. Tree
Explanation: Tree topology allows easy expansion by adding new branches to the existing hierarchy.
Q18. Which topology requires the maximum amount of cabling?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Tree
D. Mesh
Show Answer
Answer: D. Mesh
Explanation: Every device is directly connected to every other device, requiring the largest number of cables.
Q19. Which topology is the least expensive to install?
A. Mesh
B. Bus
C. Star
D. Tree
Show Answer
Answer: B. Bus
Explanation: Bus topology uses a single backbone cable, making it inexpensive compared to other topologies.
Q20. A bank requires uninterrupted communication even if one connection fails. Which topology is the most suitable?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Mesh
D. Tree
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Answer: C. Mesh
Explanation: Mesh topology provides multiple communication paths, ensuring high reliability and fault tolerance.
Q21. Which statement correctly compares Bus and Star topologies?
A. Bus topology uses a backbone cable.
B. Star topology uses a central hub or switch.
C. Failure of the backbone cable stops communication in a Bus topology.
D. All of these.
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Answer: D. All of these.
Explanation: These are the key differences between Bus and Star topologies.
Q22. Which statement correctly compares Tree and Mesh topologies?
A. Tree topology supports hierarchical expansion.
B. Mesh topology provides multiple communication paths.
C. Mesh topology is generally more expensive than Tree topology.
D. All of these.
Show Answer
Answer: D. All of these.
Explanation: Tree topology is scalable, while Mesh topology offers greater reliability but at a higher cost.
Q23. Which of the following topologies is NOT included in the CBSE Class 12 Informatics Practices syllabus?
A. Bus
B. Star
C. Ring
D. Mesh
Show Answer
Answer: C. Ring
Explanation: The prescribed CBSE syllabus covers Bus, Star, Tree, and Mesh topologies. Ring topology is not included.
Q24. Which statement correctly matches the topology with its characteristic?
A. Bus → Single backbone cable.
B. Star → Central hub or switch.
C. Mesh → Every device connected to every other device.
D. All of these.
Show Answer
Answer: D. All of these.
Explanation: Each topology has a distinct structure that determines its advantages and limitations.
Q25. Which statement best summarizes Network Topologies?
A. Different topologies provide different methods of connecting devices.
B. Each topology has its own advantages and disadvantages.
C. The choice of topology depends on cost, reliability, scalability, and network requirements.
D. All of these.
Show Answer
Answer: D. All of these.
Explanation: Selecting a suitable topology depends on the size of the network, budget, reliability, ease of maintenance, and future expansion needs.
Answer Key
| Q.No. | Answer | Q.No. | Answer | Q.No. | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | 11 | D | 21 | D |
| 2 | C | 12 | B | 22 | D |
| 3 | B | 13 | B | 23 | C |
| 4 | C | 14 | D | 24 | D |
| 5 | D | 15 | D | 25 | D |
| 6 | B | 16 | B | ||
| 7 | C | 17 | B | ||
| 8 | C | 18 | D | ||
| 9 | D | 19 | B | ||
| 10 | B | 20 | C |
Practice Tips
- Remember the four topologies in the CBSE syllabus:
- Bus → Single backbone cable.
- Star → Central hub or switch.
- Tree → Hierarchical structure (combination of Star networks).
- Mesh → Every device connected to every other device.
- Advantages at a glance:
- Bus → Low cost, easy installation.
- Star → Easy troubleshooting, reliable.
- Tree → Scalable and suitable for large organizations.
- Mesh → Highest reliability and fault tolerance.
- Disadvantages at a glance:
- Bus → Backbone failure affects the entire network.
- Star → Failure of the central hub/switch affects the network.
- Tree → More complex installation and maintenance.
- Mesh → Very expensive due to extensive cabling.
- Common applications:
- School Computer Lab → Star Topology
- Small Temporary Network → Bus Topology
- Large University or Corporate Campus → Tree Topology
- Military, Banking, Critical Communication Systems → Mesh Topology
- Quick comparison:
Topology Cost Reliability Scalability Bus Low Low Limited Star Medium High Good Tree High Good Very Good Mesh Very High Excellent Moderate - CBSE Tip: Competency-based questions often describe a real-life networking requirement (such as low cost, high reliability, easy expansion, or fault tolerance). Identify the requirement first, then choose the topology that best satisfies it.