Which topology intentionally combines two or more different topologies to leverage their strengths?

• A. Hybrid topology
• B. Mesh topology
• C. Star topology
• D. Ring topology

Answer: (A)

This question tests the idea of a topology that intentionally blends two or more different topologies to gain their combined strengths. A hybrid topology does exactly that: it mixes two or more topologies to tailor network performance, reliability, and cost to a specific environment. For example, an organization might use a star layout at the access layer for easy management and centralized control, while adopting a mesh or partial mesh in the core to provide multiple paths and better fault tolerance. This combination lets you keep the simplicity of one design where it works well and add the resilience of another where it’s most needed.

The other patterns are single-design topologies. A mesh topology emphasizes multiple redundant links but at greater cost and complexity; a star topology centers everything on a hub, creating a potential single point of failure there; a ring topology forms a closed loop with a predictable data path, which can be vulnerable if a link or node fails. None of these inherently blend different designs to balance trade-offs the way a hybrid topology does.