Type
This type of network connects devices within a small geographic area, like a home or office.
What is a LAN?
In this topology, all devices connect to a single central cable that runs the length of the network.
What is a bus?
These plastic connectors are used to terminate twisted pair cables in Ethernet networks (e.g., Cat6).
What is RJ-45
This high-speed internet technology uses telephone lines with DSL filters to separate voice and data signals.
What is DSL?
This device connects multiple computers in a LAN and forwards data to the correct port using MAC addresses.
What is a network switch?
A network that spans across a city.
MAN
This topology connects all devices in a closed loop, where data travels in one direction from node to node.
What is a ring?
This copper cable type, commonly used in Ethernet networks, has twisted pairs to reduce interference.
What is a twisted-pair cable?
This wireless internet technology delivers service via towers and uses terms like "4G" or "5G."
What is cellular/mobile broadband?
This device connects two different networks (e.g., home LAN and the internet) using NAT.
What is a router?
This network type spans large distances, often connecting multiple cities or countries.
What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?
In this layout, every device is connected directly to every other device, creating redundant paths.
What is a mesh
This type of fiber optic cable carries multiple light signals simultaneously using different wavelengths.
What is multimode fiber?
This common home internet type uses the same coaxial cables as cable television service.
What is cable internet?
This security device monitors and filters incoming/outgoing traffic based on predefined rules.
What is a firewall?
This wireless network type allows devices to communicate directly without an access point (e.g., file sharing between phones).
What is a PAN?
This topology is common in modern LANs, where devices connect to a central switch or hub.
What is a star?
This tool is used to verify proper wiring and detect faults in network cables by testing each conductor.
What is a cable tester?
This is a popular Internet choice for rural markets that do not have a DSL or cable provider.
This device converts digital signals to analog for telephone lines, used in dial-up or DSL connections.
What is a modem?
This network type overlays a virtual topology on a physical network, enabling isolated segments (e.g., for security).
VLAN
This fault-tolerant topology ensures no single point of failure by interconnecting all nodes redundantly.
What is a full-mesh
This phenomenon in copper cables occurs when signals from one wire interfere with another in the same bundle.
What is crosstalk?
This is an increasingly popular choice for Internet connections to homes and businesses that uses light pulses to transmit data.
What is fiber optic.
This device provides secure remote access to a network, encrypting all traffic through a tunnel.
What is a VPN gateway?