Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Computer Studies Question 8

An office floor is a rectangle \(30\text{ m}\) long and \(20\text{ m}\) wide. Twenty computers are to be networked. Three possible topologies are considered:\n\n* Star: a hub is placed at the centre of the rectangle; each computer is connected directly to the hub by a straight cable.\n* Bus: a single backbone cable runs along the longer side (30 m) of the rectangle; each computer taps onto this backbone.\n* Ring: a cable follows the perimeter of the rectangle, connecting the computers placed equally around the edges (including the four corners).\n\nThe cost of cable is \(\$0.50\) per metre. Assuming the computers are positioned as described, calculate the total cable cost for each topology and state which topology is cheapest.