Which topology is often referred to as a linear bus?

The topology often referred to as a linear bus is the bus topology. In this configuration, all devices are connected to a single central cable, known as the bus. This means that data travels in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner along the bus, allowing devices to communicate with one another by sending and receiving data packets over the shared medium.

Bus topology is relatively straightforward and cost-effective for small networks, as it requires less cabling compared to other topologies like star or ring. It is also easy to set up, making it a popular choice in certain environments. However, one of the main limitations of bus topology is that if the central cable fails, the entire network will go down since all communications rely on that single cable.

In contrast, other topologies such as star involve a central hub or switch where all devices connect individually, while ring topology involves each device connected to two others, forming a circular pathway for data. Hybrid topologies combine elements of these various structures, but do not specifically relate to the concept of a linear bus. Hence, the accurate description aligning with the term "linear bus" is indeed bus topology.