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1CP2-P-6.7 Bus star and mesh topologies
Part 7 of 8 · 1CP2-P-6 · Networks
The topology worksheet, reading each arrangement and then explaining the consequences it has for reliability.
Students will:
- identify bus, star and mesh from a description
- explain two disadvantages of a bus topology
- give a reliability advantage and disadvantage of a star
- explain why a partial mesh suits a service that must keep running
- select a topology from stated growth and reliability requirements
Inside: 7 explanation cells, 4 multiple-choice questions, 1 fill-in-the-blanks cell and 4 written answers. 20 marks, about 45 minutes.
Series: 1CP2-P-6 · Networks, part 7 of 8.
Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher
- 16 cells
- About 45 minutes
- CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shared 17 Aug 2026
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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.
Bus, star and mesh topologies
A network topology describes the arrangement of devices and communication links. You need to recognise, draw and evaluate bus, star and mesh topologies using precise component and consequence language.
1. Read the arrangements
In a bus, all devices connect to one shared backbone cable with terminators at its ends. In a star, each device has its own link to a central device such as a switch. In a mesh, nodes have multiple point-to-point links; a full mesh connects every node to every other node, while a partial mesh provides some alternative routes.
- backbone
- central
- files
- routes
- wireless
A diagram shows every workstation connected by its own cable to one switch. Which topology is it?
- Abus
- Bpartial mesh
- Cfull mesh
- Dstar
2. Explain bus consequences precisely
A bus is relatively simple and can use less cable than some alternatives. However, devices share the backbone. If the backbone cable fails, communication across the network can stop. Shared traffic can cause collisions or reduced performance as load grows, and data passing along the shared cable can create security concerns.
Do not write 'if the bus fails'. Name the shared backbone. Failure of one ordinary workstation does not necessarily break the whole bus.
Explain two disadvantages of a bus topology.
For each, identify the mechanism and its consequence.
Students type their answer here.
One workstation connected to a bus topology loses power. Which conclusion is most accurate?
- AThe failed workstation is unavailable, but the backbone and other devices may continue.
- BThe backbone must also have failed.
- CEvery other device must immediately stop communicating.
- DThe network automatically becomes a star.
3. Evaluate a star
A star makes devices easier to add, remove and troubleshoot because each has a separate link. Failure of one device cable normally affects only that device. The central device is important: if it fails, connected devices lose network communication. A star also needs more cabling than a simple bus.
Explain one reliability advantage and one reliability disadvantage of a star topology.
Name the link or device whose failure causes each effect.
Students type their answer here.
4. Evaluate a mesh
Alternative routes can let data bypass a failed link, improving reliability and fault tolerance. More links increase hardware, configuration and maintenance cost. A full mesh becomes difficult to scale because each new node needs links to every existing node; a partial mesh balances redundancy and cost.
A hospital needs communication to continue if one network link fails. Explain why a partial mesh may be chosen instead of a full mesh or a bus.
Balance alternative routes with cost and complexity.
Students type their answer here.
Which topology normally requires the greatest number of links as every node is connected directly to every other node?
- Abus
- Bstar
- Cfull mesh
- Dpartial mesh
5. Select from requirements
Use performance, scalability, reliability, security and cost as comparison criteria. A topology name alone earns little: explain how its arrangement produces a useful or harmful consequence in the specific scenario.
A growing school wants easy expansion and wants one damaged workstation cable not to disconnect every other computer. Recommend a topology and justify it, including one limitation.
Link the physical arrangement to expansion and failure behaviour.
Students type their answer here.
Which statement is precise enough for an examination answer?
- AA bus is bad if the bus breaks.
- BIf the bus backbone cable fails, connected devices can no longer communicate across it.
- CA star is good because stars are modern.
- DA mesh is always perfect.
Route forward
You can recognise and evaluate bus, star and mesh arrangements. The final worksheet will assess the complete networks series without introducing new content.