What type of network topology connects all devices to a single linear cable?

The correct answer is indeed bus topology, which connects all devices to a single linear cable. In this type of topology, each device is attached to a single common cable, known as the bus. Data travels along the bus until it reaches its destination device. This design is straightforward and economical for smaller networks, as it requires less cable than some other topologies.

In a bus topology, the cable acts as the backbone, and if there is a break or fault in the cable, it can disrupt the communication for all devices connected to it, highlighting one of the potential drawbacks of this arrangement compared to more resilient designs. Mesh and star topologies, for instance, connect devices in a manner that allows for multiple pathways or a central hub, which helps prevent complete network failure due to a single point of failure. Hybrid topologies combine elements of various topologies, making them more complex and adaptable than the simplicity of a bus structure.