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Networking Fundamentals · Foundational

Physical Topology

The actual layout of cables, devices and connections in a network.

Definition

Physical topology documentation shows where devices and cables are, such as rack positions and cable paths, and is used for installation and fault isolation. It may differ from the logical topology, as when a physical star carries a logical bus.

Example

A floor plan showing each switch closet and cable run documents the physical topology.

Exam tip

Physical = where the wires go; logical = how data flows.

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