FC0-U71 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a small office network with 20 computers. The network must be easy to troubleshoot and resilient to a single cable failure. Which topology should the administrator implement?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that a mesh topology is always best for resilience, ignoring its complexity and cost for a small office.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Star topology
A star topology uses a central switch, so a single cable failure only affects one computer, and troubleshooting is straightforward by checking individual connections. It balances resilience and simplicity for a small office. Other topologies either lack resilience to single cable failures or are overly complex and costly.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Star topology
Why this is correct
A star topology connects all devices to a central switch or hub. If one cable fails, only that device is affected, making it resilient to single cable failures. Troubleshooting is easy because each device has a dedicated connection to the central point. This meets the requirements for a small office network.
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Mesh topology
Why it's wrong here
A full mesh topology provides high redundancy because every device connects to every other device. While it is resilient to cable failures, it is expensive and complex to implement for 20 computers due to the many connections required. For a small office, a star topology is more practical and easier to troubleshoot.
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Bus topology
Why it's wrong here
In a bus topology, all devices share a single backbone cable. A failure in the backbone can bring down the entire network, which does not meet the resilience requirement. Troubleshooting is also more difficult because a single break affects all devices. This topology is outdated and not suitable for a modern office.
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Ring topology
Why it's wrong here
A ring topology connects devices in a loop, where data travels in one direction. A single cable failure can disrupt the entire ring unless a dual-ring configuration is used. Standard ring topologies are not resilient to single cable failures and are complex to troubleshoot. This does not meet the stated requirements.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.