What is the primary role of a network topology?

The primary role of a network topology is to describe the arrangement of various elements in the network. This includes how different devices, such as computers, switches, routers, and other components, are linked together within the network. Understanding network topology is crucial for network design and management, as it affects performance, efficiency, and scalability. Various types of topologies like star, mesh, ring, and bus each have their unique characteristics that can influence how data flows and how easily the network can be expanded or modified.

In contrast, ensuring data security involves various measures and technologies that protect information but is not the main function of topology. Connecting different networks and providing internet access, while important network functions, are also not fundamentally linked to the concept of topology, which focuses more specifically on the layout and connection patterns within a single network.