Which statement best describes Physical Topology?

• A. The arrangement of the cables, network devices, and end systems.
• B. The path over which data is transferred in a network and how the network devices appear connected to users.
• C. The routing table used to determine the best path to the destination.
• D. The level of network security for transmitted information.

Answer: (B)

Physical topology is the tangible layout of a network—the actual arrangement of cables, network devices, and end systems. It describes how devices are physically connected in space, such as a star, bus, ring, or mesh arrangement, and how the cables run between them. This is different from how data flows or how devices appear to users (that’s the logical topology), the routing decisions shown in routing tables, or any concern about security levels. So, describing physical topology as the arrangement of the cables, network devices, and end systems captures the real, seen structure of the network.