_______ topology requires highest number of ports and largest amount of cabling in computer networks.

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3):
The **Mesh** topology, especially a full mesh, requires the highest number of ports and the largest amount of cabling in computer networks. This is due to its defining characteristic: every single device (node) in the network is directly and physically connected to every other device. For a network with 'n' devices, the number of required dedicated physical connections (cables) is calculated by the formula $n \times (n-1) / 2$. This quadratic growth in cabling means the installation complexity, the material cost for wires, and the number of ports required on each device (which is $n-1$) all skyrocket as the number of devices increases. This topology is complex and costly, but it offers the highest redundancy and fault tolerance, as there is always a dedicated path between any two devices.

The incorrect option is (1):
The Star topology is defined by all devices connecting to a single central device, such as a hub or a switch. If the network has 'n' devices, the total number of links is simply 'n' (one link from each device to the central point). This linear relationship, $O(n)$, results in a very efficient and manageable cabling system. While it is more manageable than a Mesh, it requires significantly fewer cables and ports than the full Mesh configuration.

The incorrect option is (2):
In a Ring topology, each device is connected to exactly two neighbors, creating a closed loop or circle. For 'n' devices, there are only 'n' cable segments, and each device only needs two ports to participate in the ring. Like the Star and Bus, the cabling and port requirements grow linearly, $O(n)$, making it far more cable-efficient than a Mesh topology, which uses dedicated point-to-point links for every pair.

The incorrect option is (4):
The Bus topology is the most straightforward and least complex in terms of cabling. All devices are connected to a single, shared communication backbone cable. Cabling simply involves a single wire that runs across the network's span, with devices tapping into it. This structure inherently minimizes the total length of cable required, as it is a single multi-drop segment, thereby imposing the smallest demand for cabling among all standard topologies.