Topology Selection, Backbones, and Segments

Now that you’re familiar with many different types of network topologies, you’re ready for some tips on selecting the right one for your particular network. You also need to know about backbones and segments, which I’ll cover in the very last part of this chapter.

Real World Scenario

They’re Just Cables, Right?

Wrong! Regardless of the type of network you build, you need to start thinking about quality at the bottom and work up.

Think of it as if you were at an electronics store buying the cables for your home theater system. You’ve already spent a bunch of time and money getting the right components to meet your needs. Because you’ve probably parted with a hefty chunk of change, you might be tempted to cut corners, but why would you stop now and connect all your high-quality devices together with the cable equivalent of twine? No, you’re smarter than that–you know that picking out the...