Exploring Network Topologies 29
Mesh A mesh topology (Figure 2.4) is essentially a web of cabling that attaches a group
of clients or nodes to each other. It can look a little messy and convoluted, and it can also
make troubleshooting a bear. However, this setup is often used for mission-critical services
because of its high level of redundancy and resistance to outages. The largest network in
the world, the Internet, which was designed to survive nuclear attack, is built as one large
mesh network.
FigurE 2.4 Mesh topology
Hybrid Hybrid topologies are by far the most common layout in use today. Rarely will
you encounter a pure setup that strictly follows the topologies previously listed. Our net-
works of today are complex and multifaceted. More often than not, current networks are
the offspring of many additions and alterations over many years of expansion or logistical
changes. A hybrid layout combines different topologies into one mixed topology; it takes
the best of other layouts and uses them to its advantage. Figure 2.5 shows one possibility.
Gone are the days when an attacker could gain access to the flow of data
on a network only through the use of vampire taps and bus or other lay-
outs. Today, rogue wireless access points, a lost smartphone, and a little
social engineering can put any hacker right through the front door without
physical access.