7. What is the arrangement of network devices in a mesh topology?

Answer: A

Explanation:

Every device is connected to every other device.

In a mesh topology, the defining characteristic is that each device is directly connected to every other device in the network, facilitating robust communication and redundancy.

A) Every device is connected to every other device.

This option accurately describes the essence of a mesh topology. In this configuration, devices communicate directly, which enhances reliability and allows for alternative pathways for data transmission, thus minimizing the risk of network failure.

B) Devices are connected to a common communication line.

This option describes a bus topology, not a mesh topology. In a bus topology, all devices share a single communication line, which can lead to bottlenecks and a single point of failure if the main line fails.

C) Every device is connected to exactly two other devices.

This option characterizes a ring topology, where each device is connected to two others, forming a closed loop. This is fundamentally different from mesh topology, where each device connects to all others, not just two.

D) All devices are connected to a single central device.

This option refers to a star topology, where all network devices connect to a central hub or switch. In contrast, a mesh topology does not rely on a central device, allowing for direct connections between all devices.

Conclusion

The correct answer is definitively option A, as it succinctly captures the fundamental principle of a mesh topology. The other options fail because they describe alternative topologies, each with distinct characteristics that do not align with the complete interconnectivity of devices found in a mesh arrangement.