Quick Answer
The correct answer includes star, bus, and ring as the three common types of network topologies. These are fundamental physical layouts that define how devices connect and communicate in a network: star topology centralizes all connections through a switch or hub, bus topology relies on a single backbone cable with terminators, and ring topology passes data in a sequential loop using token passing. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic network infrastructure, often appearing in multiple-choice questions that ask you to identify standard topologies versus less common ones like mesh or hybrid. A common trap is confusing logical topologies (like Ethernet’s logical bus) with physical layouts, so focus on the actual cable arrangement. To remember the three, think of the mnemonic “SBR” for Star, Bus, Ring—the foundational shapes of network design.
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.
Which THREE of the following are common types of network topologies? (Choose three.)
Circle
Why wrong: Not a standard topology.
Star
Star topology has a central hub.
Bus
Bus topology uses a single backbone.
Ring
Ring topology connects devices in a loop.
Square
Why wrong: Not a standard topology.
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
Star, bus, and ring are three of the most common physical network topologies defined in networking standards. In a star topology, all devices connect to a central switch or hub, which manages traffic and isolates failures to individual links. Bus topology uses a single backbone cable with terminators at both ends, while ring topology passes data sequentially from one node to the next using a token-passing mechanism (e.g., Token Ring per IEEE 802.5).
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.
Circle
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard topology.
Star
Why this is correct
Star topology has a central hub.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Bus
Why this is correct
Bus topology uses a single backbone.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Ring
Why this is correct
Ring topology connects devices in a loop.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Square
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard topology.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'circle' with 'ring' topology, but 'circle' is a non-standard term, while 'ring' is the correct CompTIA-recognized topology name; similarly, 'square' is a distractor with no technical basis in networking.
Detailed technical explanation
In a star topology, each node has a dedicated point-to-point link to a central switch, which uses MAC address tables to forward frames only to the intended port, reducing collisions. Bus topology relies on CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) as defined in IEEE 802.3 for Ethernet, where all devices share a single coaxial cable and must contend for transmission. Ring topology uses a token-passing protocol (IEEE 802.5) to prevent collisions, ensuring deterministic access but creating a single point of failure if any link or node fails.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 — Star, bus, and ring are three of the most common physical network topologies defined in networking standards. In a star topology, all devices connect to a central switch or hub, which manages traffic and isolates failures to individual links. Bus topology uses a single backbone cable with terminators at both ends, while ring topology passes data sequentially from one node to the next using a token-passing mechanism (e.g., Token Ring per IEEE 802.5).
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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