2 cissp ® Official Study Guide Eighth Edition

Star Topology
A 
star topology
employs a centralized connection device. This device can 
be a simple hub or switch. Each system is connected to the central hub by a dedicated seg-
ment (see Figure 11.11). If any one segment fails, the other segments can continue to func-
tion. However, the central hub is a single point of failure. Generally, the star topology uses 
less cabling than other topologies and makes the identification of damaged cables easier.
A logical bus and a logical ring can be implemented as a physical star. Ethernet is a bus-
based technology. It can be deployed as a physical star, but the hub or switch device is actu-
ally a logical bus connection device. Likewise, Token Ring is a ring-based technology. It 
can be deployed as a physical star using a multistation access unit (MAU). An MAU allows 
for the cable segments to be deployed as a star while internally the device makes logical 
ring connections.
F I g u r e 11.11
A star topology

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Cabling, Wireless, Topology, Communications, and Transmission Media Technology 
503
Mesh Topology
A 
mesh topology
connects systems to other systems using numerous 
paths (see Figure 11.12). A full mesh topology connects each system to all other systems on 
the network. A partial mesh topology connects many systems to many other systems. Mesh 
topologies provide redundant connections to systems, allowing multiple segment failures 
without seriously affecting connectivity.
F I g u r e 11.12
A mesh topology
Wireless Communications and Security
Wireless communication is a quickly expanding field of technologies for networking, con-
nectivity, communication, and data exchange. There are literally thousands of protocols, 
standards, and techniques that can be labeled as wireless. These include cell phones, 
Bluetooth, cordless phones, and wireless networking. As wireless technologies continue 
to proliferate, your organization’s security efforts must go beyond locking down its local 
network. Security should be an end-to-end solution that addresses all forms, methods, and 
techniques of communication.