What is the difference between a full mesh and a hub-and-spoke topology?

In networking, a hub-and-spoke topology is characterized by a central hub that connects to multiple endpoints or "spokes." This central hub serves as the primary point of communication for all nodes in the network. As a result, each spoke connects directly to the hub rather than to each other, which simplifies the design and management of the network.

This structure allows for centralized management and can be efficient in terms of connectivity because all nodes communicate through the hub. However, it's important to note that if the hub fails, all communications can be disrupted, highlighting a potential weakness in the topology.

In contrast, a full mesh topology involves every node in the network being interconnected to every other node. This setup provides redundancy and reliability because the failure of one connection does not affect the overall network; there are multiple paths for data to reach its destination.

The significance of the correct answer lies in highlighting the fundamental nature of hub-and-spoke topology: it effectively illustrates how all communications are routed through a central point, contrasting it with the full connectivity of a mesh network. Understanding this core distinction is crucial for network design and performance considerations.