Quick Answer
The answer is ring topology, which connects each node to exactly two neighbors to form a closed loop. This configuration ensures that every device has precisely two connections—one to the previous node and one to the next—creating a circular data path where signals travel in a single direction (or in both directions with a dual-ring setup for fault tolerance). On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this definition tests your ability to distinguish ring topology from star, bus, or mesh topologies; a common trap is confusing ring with mesh, but remember that mesh requires multiple redundant connections, not exactly two. The key exam memory tip is to visualize a bicycle chain or a wedding ring—each link connects to only two others, forming an unbroken circle.
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of networking concepts. 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 of the following network topologies connects each node to exactly two other nodes, forming a closed loop?
Star
Why wrong: Star topology connects all nodes to a central device, not to two neighbors.
Bus
Why wrong: Bus topology uses a single backbone cable; nodes are passively connected, not in a closed loop.
Ring
Ring topology connects each node to exactly two neighbors, forming a continuous loop for data transmission.
Mesh
Why wrong: Mesh topology interconnects nodes in a many-to-many fashion, not limiting each node to two connections.
Answer choices
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.
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.
Star
Why it's wrong here
Star topology connects all nodes to a central device, not to two neighbors.
Bus
Why it's wrong here
Bus topology uses a single backbone cable; nodes are passively connected, not in a closed loop.
Ring
Why this is correct
Ring topology connects each node to exactly two neighbors, forming a continuous loop for data transmission.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Mesh
Why it's wrong here
Mesh topology interconnects nodes in a many-to-many fashion, not limiting each node to two connections.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often 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.
Detailed technical explanation
Ring topologies often use token passing (e.g., Token Ring, IEEE 802.5) or Media Access Control (MAC) mechanisms to prevent collisions, as data circulates in a deterministic order. In a single-ring failure scenario, a break can disrupt the entire network unless a dual-ring design (like FDDI) or a self-healing ring (e.g., SONET/SDH) is implemented. Modern networks rarely use physical ring topologies, but logical ring topologies (e.g., Resilient Ethernet Protocol, REP) are still deployed in industrial and carrier-grade environments for fast failover.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
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FAQ
Networking Concepts — This question tests Networking Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
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 11, 2026
This N10-009 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 N10-009 exam.
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