In which topology can nodes lose connectivity if any single node fails?

In a bus topology, all nodes are connected to a single central cable, known as the bus. If any single node fails or if there is a break in the bus, it can disrupt the communication for all the nodes connected to that bus segment. This means that if one connection is compromised, the entire network can experience a loss of connectivity, making it highly susceptible to failures.

In contrast, star topology features a central hub or switch that connects all nodes individually, meaning if one node fails, it does not affect the others. Mesh topology has multiple connections between nodes, allowing for different pathways for data, which helps to maintain connectivity even if one or more nodes fail. Ring topology connects nodes in a circular configuration where each node is connected to two other nodes; while one node’s failure can disrupt the network, data can often be rerouted if the entire ring isn’t broken. Thus, bus topology is the only one where losing a single node can lead to a complete communication breakdown for the entire network.