# Q3A · Network definition and topologies

Subject: Computer Networks

Exam: TEE

Reader: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/cn/#tee/papers/tee-paper-reexam/q3a

Canonical: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/read/cn/tee/papers/tee-paper-reexam--q3a/

TEE · Actual TEE paper · all questions · current syllabus 702AI0C023

### Actual PYQ · Q3A. Define computer networks. Discuss any two types of network topologies in computer networks with suitable diagrams. [5 marks]

#### Answer

A computer network is a set of interconnected devices exchanging data through protocols. Topology describes the arrangement of nodes/links. Two examples are star and bus.

Swipe across the diagram to read its labels ↔

![Four physical network topologies](https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/cn/fig/tee-topologies.d9e18f041b.svg)

Diagram: Four physical network topologies. Labels: Four physical network topologies | Four physical network topologies | Star | Bus | Ring | Full mesh: 4 nodes, 6 links | S | Links show arrangement. Actual access rules are a separate concept.

Use the star and bus panels for the two requested examples.

1. **Star:** each host has a link to a central switch. It is easy to expand and isolate a failed host link. Failure of the central device can affect the entire star.
2. **Bus:** devices share a common backbone. It can be simple for a small legacy shared segment, but backbone failure affects the segment and simultaneous transmissions can collide.

#### Practical example

For a modern lab, a switched star supports easy port management; a bus is useful as a comparison of shared-medium organization.

Source: Re-exam · 4 February 2026, original question paper page 2. Original marks retained; solution independently authored.