What characterizes a bus network topology?

The defining characteristic of a bus network topology is that devices are connected along a single cable. In this configuration, all devices share the same communication medium, which is a central cable or backbone. Data transmitted from one device travels along this cable until it reaches its destination. This topology is straightforward and relatively easy to set up, making it a common choice for small networks.

The single cable structure in a bus topology also facilitates direct communication between devices, but it can lead to performance issues as more devices are added, as the bandwidth is shared among all connections. Additionally, if the central cable fails, it can result in the entire network going down, making it less robust than other configurations.

This understanding of bus topology provides a foundation for recognizing its advantages and limitations in network design.