Which type of network topology has all devices connected in a line?

The correct answer is bus topology, which is defined by its structure where all devices are connected along a single cable, forming a communication line. In this configuration, each device is connected to the backbone or main cable—known as the bus—and data is transmitted in both directions along the cable. When a device wants to communicate, it sends data that travels along the bus until it reaches the intended recipient.

This topology is relatively easy to implement and requires less cable than some of the alternative topologies, making it a cost-effective option for small networks. However, it's important to note that the bus topology can lead to performance issues as more devices are added, and if the main cable fails, the entire network goes down.

The other options represent different network structures: a star topology connects all devices to a central hub or switch, creating a more robust and easier-to-manage network; a ring topology connects devices in a circular fashion, where each device is connected to two others and does not require a central hub; and a mesh topology links each device to multiple others, providing high resilience and redundancy but requiring significantly more cabling and complexity. Understanding these topologies helps in choosing the right one based on the specific needs of a network.