Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2211 D684 Introduction to Computer Science Practice Test

In a bus topology, all nodes in a local area network (LAN) are indeed connected to a single central cable, often referred to as the "bus." This setup allows data to be transmitted along the cable, with all connected devices able to receive the same data signal. When a node wants to send data, it can broadcast that data to all other nodes on the bus. Each device listens for its intended data, allowing for efficient communication along this centralized physical medium.

The structure of a bus topology means that the integrity of the entire network can be compromised if there is a break or fault in the cable, as nodes rely on this single connection to communicate. This topology is relatively simple and cost-effective to implement, particularly in smaller networks where the simplicity of connecting all nodes to one cable can be advantageous. The straightforward setup is one of the primary reasons why it might be chosen in certain LAN environments.