Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What is the difference between physical topology and logical topology?
Physical topology shows the actual cable/device connections; logical topology shows the virtual connections via interfaces and IP addressing.
Topology = the arrangement and relationship of network devices and their interconnections.
* Same network, two views: physical = where the hardware sits; logical = how traffic is addressed. *
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Physical Topology | Shows the physical connections and how devices are interconnected (rooms, racks, cables) |
| Logical Topology | Identifies the virtual connections between devices using device interfaces and IP addressing schemes |
Example: A physical topology shows where cables run; a logical topology shows IP addresses and network segments.
Go deeper:
Logical vs. physical topology: What's the difference? (TechTarget) — clearest explainer, with a comparison table and city-streets analogy.- Network topology (Wikipedia) — authoritative definitions and the classic example (twisted-pair Ethernet = logical bus on a physical star).