What does the term "network topology" refer to?

The term "network topology" refers specifically to the arrangement of different elements in a computer network. This encompasses how devices, such as computers, servers, and networking equipment, are interconnected and how they communicate with one another. Various topologies include star, ring, mesh, and bus, each with its unique characteristics and implications for performance, scalability, and fault tolerance. Understanding network topology is essential for designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting networks, as it influences data flow and the overall functionality of the network environment.

The other options, while related to networking concepts, address different aspects. The layout of computer hardware in a telecommunications facility focuses on the physical setup rather than the logical relationships between devices. The type of internet connection pertains to how an endpoint accesses the internet, which is not directly about the topology but rather about connectivity types. The process of data encryption is concerned with security measures in networking, rather than the structure and organization of the network itself.