Chapter summary: The network topology is the pattern used to connect computers and other devices with the cable or other network medium; the three primary LAN topologies are bus, star, and ring; UTP cable in the star topology is the most common network medium used today; a network interface adapter provides the interface that enables a computer to connect to a network; the network interface adapter and its driver implement the data-link layer protocol on the computer; hubs are devices that connect computers on a star or ring network.
