Quick Answer
The answer is star topology, which is the correct choice because it connects each computer directly to a central device like a switch or hub, enabling all 15 machines to share files and a printer through that single point. In a star topology definition, every node has a dedicated link to the central device, so if one computer fails, the rest of the network remains operational—a key advantage over bus or ring topologies. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of physical network layouts, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify the topology based on a central connection point. A common trap is confusing star with mesh, but remember that star uses one central device, while mesh requires multiple interconnections. For a memory tip, think of a star in the sky: each point of light connects back to the same center, just like each computer links to the central switch.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is configuring a small office network with 15 computers. The computers need to share files and a printer. The technician decides to use a topology where each computer is connected to a central device. Which physical topology is being implemented?
Ring
Why wrong: A ring topology connects devices in a circular path.
Mesh
Why wrong: A mesh topology has multiple redundant connections between devices.
Bus
Why wrong: A bus topology uses a single cable with terminators, not a central device.
Star
A star topology connects all devices to a central switch or hub.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Star
The star topology connects each computer directly to a central device, such as a switch or hub. This allows all 15 computers to share files and a printer through the central device, making it the correct choice for the described small office network.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Ring
Why it's wrong here
A ring topology connects devices in a circular path.
Mesh
Why it's wrong here
A mesh topology has multiple redundant connections between devices.
Bus
Why it's wrong here
A bus topology uses a single cable with terminators, not a central device.
Star
Why this is correct
A star topology connects all devices to a central switch or hub.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the logical topology (e.g., Ethernet uses a logical bus) with the physical topology, assuming that because Ethernet uses CSMA/CD, it must be a physical bus, but modern Ethernet networks physically use a star topology with switches.
Detailed technical explanation
In a star topology, the central device is typically an Ethernet switch that uses MAC address tables to forward frames only to the intended port, reducing collisions and improving efficiency. This contrasts with older hub-based stars where all traffic is broadcast to every port, but modern switches provide dedicated bandwidth per connection. In real-world deployments, star topologies simplify troubleshooting because a single cable failure only affects one device, and the central switch can be managed via SNMP for monitoring.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Star — The star topology connects each computer directly to a central device, such as a switch or hub. This allows all 15 computers to share files and a printer through the central device, making it the correct choice for the described small office network.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 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-U61 exam.
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