|  | 5.6 | Basic Topologies Used in Networking
| 5.6.1 | Network topologies

The word topology can be thought of as "the study of location." Topology is a subject of study in mathematics, where maps of nodes (dots) and links (lines) often contain patterns. In this chapter, you will examine the various topologies used in networking from a mathematical perspective. Then, you will learn how a physical topology describes the plan for wiring the physical devices. Finally, you will use a logical topology to learn how information flows through a network to determine where collisions may occur.

A network may have one type of physical topology , and a completely different type of logical topology. For example, Ethernet 10BASE-T uses an extended-star physical topology, but acts as though it uses a logical bus topology. Token Ring uses a physical star, and a logical ring. FDDI uses a physical and a logical ring.