Which network topology connects devices to a shared straight-line cable?

In network topology, a bus topology is characterized by its use of a single central cable, referred to as the "bus," along which all network devices are connected. This design allows devices to share the cable for data transmission, with messages sent along the bus being available to all connected devices. Each device taps into the bus to send and receive data, but the data is only intended for the receiving device. If there's a failure in the bus or if the cable is damaged, it can affect the entire network, which is a known drawback of this topology.

The other topologies operate differently: a ring topology connects devices in a circular configuration where each device connects to two other devices, a mesh topology has devices interconnected with multiple paths for redundancy, and a star topology features devices connected to a central hub or switch, allowing for independent connections. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the unique characteristics of bus topology and its reliance on a single line for communication among devices.