In a physical star topology, the only way you can figure out whether it's a logical bus,ring or star?

Question

The only way to determine whether it's a logical bus, ring or star is to figure out how the circuit board (that resides within the central device) transmits the data.

Is that right?

Answer 1

Physical describes the physical layout while logical describes the data flow. Token ring was (ok, is) a physical star topology but is a logical bus. So, yeah, you are correct in stating that you need to know how the hardware handles the data.

Answer 2

BUS topology: All devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or backbone. Bus networks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install for small networks. Ethernet systems use a bus topology.

RING topology : All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so that each device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it. Ring topologies are relatively expensive and difficult to install, but they offer high bandwidth and can span large distances.

STAR topology: All devices are connected to a central hub. Star networks are relatively easy to install and manage, but bottlenecks can occur because all data must pass through the hub.

Answer 3

If my life had some god-given purpose I'd star anyone's question just to find out what the hell it is. Here's a star for you.