What is the defining characteristic of a bus topology?

A bus topology is primarily defined by the way it connects multiple devices within a network. In this topology, all devices share a single communication line, often referred to as the bus. Data sent from one device travels along this bus, and all devices on the network can receive the data transmitted, but only the intended recipient processes it. This shared communication medium is the key feature that distinguishes bus topology from others.

For instance, in contrast to a star topology, where devices connect to a central hub, or a ring topology, where devices are arranged in a circular configuration, the bus topology relies on a simple and direct linear arrangement. Each device on the bus can communicate directly with any other device, but they do not connect to every other device directly. Instead, they all access the same physical medium for data transmission, which is integral to the bus topology's operation and functionality.