N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question
Which of the following network topologies provides the highest level of redundancy and fault tolerance?
⚠ Common exam trap
The N10-009 exam often tests the misconception that a ring topology (especially a dual-ring like FDDI) offers the highest fault tolerance, but candidates must remember that a full mesh provides more redundant paths and no single point of failure, whereas even a dual ring can be disrupted by multiple simultaneous failures.
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
✓
Mesh
A mesh topology provides the highest level of redundancy and fault tolerance because every node has a dedicated point-to-point connection to every other node. This means that if any single link or node fails, traffic can be immediately rerouted through multiple alternative paths without any single point of failure. In a full mesh, the number of links is n(n-1)/2, ensuring maximum path diversity and resilience.
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
In a star topology, all network devices are individually connected to a central hub, switch, or router. This central device acts as a single point of failure; if it malfunctions or goes offline, the entire network segment connected to it becomes inoperable, isolating all attached devices. While easy to manage and troubleshoot, its reliance on a single central component inherently limits its redundancy and fault tolerance.
When this WOULD be correct
A star topology would be correct if the question asked for the topology that is easiest to manage and troubleshoot, or the most cost-effective for a small network with a single point of failure acceptable.
- ✗
Bus
Why it's wrong here
A bus topology connects all network devices to a single shared communication line, often referred to as the backbone cable, which is terminated at both ends. This design is inherently susceptible to failures along this single cable, as a break anywhere on the main bus will disrupt communication for all devices on that segment. It offers no alternative paths for data, making it the least redundant and most vulnerable to complete network failure from a single physical fault.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question asking for the most cost-effective topology for a small, temporary network with minimal devices and low reliability requirements, bus topology would be correct due to its simple cabling and low cost.
- ✗
Ring
Why it's wrong here
In a basic ring topology, each device connects to exactly two other devices, forming a single continuous circular path for data flow, typically in one direction. While simple, a single break in any cable segment or the failure of one device can disrupt the entire ring, preventing communication between all nodes. Although redundancy can be introduced with dual rings (e.g., FDDI), the fundamental single-ring design is highly vulnerable to a single point of failure.
When this WOULD be correct
A question asking 'Which topology uses a token passing mechanism to prevent collisions?' would have ring as correct, as token ring networks rely on this method to control data transmission.
- ✓
Mesh
Why this is correct
A full mesh topology provides the highest level of redundancy by connecting every device directly to every other device in the network. This creates numerous distinct and independent paths for data transmission, ensuring that if any single link or node fails, traffic can automatically reroute through alternative connections. This design effectively eliminates single points of failure, making it exceptionally fault-tolerant and reliable for critical infrastructure.
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.
✓MeshCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
A full mesh topology provides the highest level of redundancy by connecting every device directly to every other device in the network. This creates numerous distinct and independent paths for data transmission, ensuring that if any single link or node fails, traffic can automatically reroute through alternative connections. This design effectively eliminates single points of failure, making it exceptionally fault-tolerant and reliable for critical infrastructure.
✗StarWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A star topology uses a central switch or hub; if that central device fails, the entire network goes down, so it does not provide the highest level of redundancy and fault tolerance compared to a mesh topology.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A star topology would be correct if the question asked for the topology that is easiest to manage and troubleshoot, or the most cost-effective for a small network with a single point of failure acceptable.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often think star is highly redundant because it isolates each device's failure, but they overlook the single point of failure at the central device.
✗BusWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A bus topology uses a single backbone cable; if the cable fails, the entire network goes down, offering no redundancy or fault tolerance.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question asking for the most cost-effective topology for a small, temporary network with minimal devices and low reliability requirements, bus topology would be correct due to its simple cabling and low cost.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse 'simplicity' with 'reliability', assuming fewer components mean fewer failure points, but in a bus, the single cable is a critical single point of failure.
✗RingWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
In a ring topology, each device is connected to exactly two neighbors, forming a single path for data. A break in the ring or a device failure disrupts the entire network, offering minimal fault tolerance compared to mesh.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A question asking 'Which topology uses a token passing mechanism to prevent collisions?' would have ring as correct, as token ring networks rely on this method to control data transmission.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that because ring topologies can use dual rings for redundancy, they offer high fault tolerance, but standard single-ring topologies do not; the dual-ring variant is less common and not implied.
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?”
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.