Question 388 of 464
N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
Which of the following network topologies connects each node to exactly two other nodes, forming a closed loop?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse a logical ring (like Token Ring or FDDI) with a physical star-wired ring, where the wiring appears star-shaped but the logical data path is a ring, leading them to incorrectly select 'Star' because they see a central device.
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
✓
Ring
In a ring topology, each node is connected to exactly two neighbors, forming a closed loop where data travels in one direction (or sometimes dual-ring for redundancy). This is the only topology among the options that inherently creates a circular path with each node having exactly two connections.
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
Why it's wrong here
The star topology centralizes network connectivity, with each individual node having a dedicated point-to-point connection to a central device, such as a hub or switch. This design means that no node directly connects to another node; instead, all communication is routed through the central device. Therefore, a node in a star topology connects to only one other device (the central one), not to two distinct neighbors in a loop.
When this WOULD be correct
A star topology would be correct for a question like: 'Which topology uses a central device to manage all communications between nodes?'
- ✗
Bus
Why it's wrong here
A bus topology utilizes a single, shared backbone cable to which all network nodes are passively connected. Data signals traverse the entire length of this common medium, and each node listens for packets addressed to it, rather than directly forwarding data to a specific neighbor. This linear arrangement does not form a closed loop where nodes connect to exactly two others, as all devices share the same communication channel.
When this WOULD be correct
A question asking 'Which topology uses a single backbone cable to connect all nodes?' would make Bus the correct answer.
- ✓
Ring
Why this is correct
A ring topology establishes a closed loop where each network node is directly connected to exactly two other nodes: one upstream and one downstream neighbor. Data packets travel unidirectionally around this continuous loop, passing through each node until they reach their destination. This structure ensures a predictable data path but can be vulnerable if a single link or node fails, potentially breaking the entire ring.
- ✗
Mesh
Why it's wrong here
In a mesh topology, nodes are interconnected in a many-to-many fashion, often with redundant paths between devices. A full mesh connects every node directly to every other node, resulting in N*(N-1)/2 connections, far exceeding the two connections per node described. While offering high fault tolerance and reliability due to multiple paths, this complexity makes it distinct from a simple two-neighbor connection.
When this WOULD be correct
A question asking 'Which topology provides multiple redundant paths between any two nodes?' would make mesh the correct answer, as it offers full or partial connectivity for fault tolerance.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The N10-009 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓RingCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A ring topology establishes a closed loop where each network node is directly connected to exactly two other nodes: one upstream and one downstream neighbor. Data packets travel unidirectionally around this continuous loop, passing through each node until they reach their destination. This structure ensures a predictable data path but can be vulnerable if a single link or node fails, potentially breaking the entire ring.
✗StarWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
In a star topology, each node connects to a central hub, not to exactly two other nodes, so it does not form a closed loop.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A star topology would be correct for a question like: 'Which topology uses a central device to manage all communications between nodes?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the visual appearance of a star with a ring, or mistakenly think that a star can form a loop through the central hub.
✗BusWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
In a bus topology, all nodes connect to a single central cable, not to exactly two other nodes, and it does not form a closed loop.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A question asking 'Which topology uses a single backbone cable to connect all nodes?' would make Bus the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the linear arrangement of a bus with the circular arrangement of a ring, or mistakenly think that a bus topology forms a loop because both are simple and often drawn as lines.
✗MeshWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
In a mesh topology, each node connects to multiple other nodes, not exactly two, and it does not form a closed loop; it provides redundancy through multiple paths.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A question asking 'Which topology provides multiple redundant paths between any two nodes?' would make mesh the correct answer, as it offers full or partial connectivity for fault tolerance.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse 'mesh' with 'ring' because both involve multiple connections, but mesh lacks the specific closed-loop structure of a ring.
Analysis generated from the official N10-009blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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