- A
Star: All devices connect to a central hub/switch
Star topology uses a central point, typically a switch or hub, to which all nodes connect.
- B
Mesh: Every device connects to every other device
In a full mesh topology, each node has a direct connection to every other node, providing high redundancy.
- C
Bus: All devices share a single communication line
Bus topology uses a single backbone cable to which all devices are connected; communication is broadcast.
- D
Ring: Each device connects to two others, forming a circle
In ring topology, each node has exactly two neighbors, and data travels in one direction around the ring.
- E
Star: Each device connects to two others, forming a circle
Why wrong: Incorrect — this describes ring topology, not star.
- F
Bus: All devices connect to a central hub/switch
Why wrong: Incorrect — this describes star topology, not bus.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
Match each network topology to its characteristic.
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
Star: All devices connect to a central hub/switch
Common network topologies include star, mesh, bus, and ring. Each has distinct characteristics: star uses a central hub, mesh provides full connectivity, bus shares a single line, and ring forms a closed loop. Distractors swap definitions to test understanding.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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: All devices connect to a central hub/switch
Why this is correct
Star topology uses a central point, typically a switch or hub, to which all nodes connect.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Mesh: Every device connects to every other device
Why this is correct
In a full mesh topology, each node has a direct connection to every other node, providing high redundancy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Bus: All devices share a single communication line
Why this is correct
Bus topology uses a single backbone cable to which all devices are connected; communication is broadcast.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Ring: Each device connects to two others, forming a circle
Why this is correct
In ring topology, each node has exactly two neighbors, and data travels in one direction around the ring.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Star: Each device connects to two others, forming a circle
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes ring topology, not star.
- ✗
Bus: All devices connect to a central hub/switch
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes star topology, not bus.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the N10-009 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which N10-009 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Star: All devices connect to a central hub/switch — Common network topologies include star, mesh, bus, and ring. Each has distinct characteristics: star uses a central hub, mesh provides full connectivity, bus shares a single line, and ring forms a closed loop. Distractors swap definitions to test understanding.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which N10-009 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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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