In network topology design, if a network contains n devices and each device has a direct point-to-point link to every other device (thus requiring n - 1 cable ports per device), this configuration is called a:

Introduction:
Physical topology influences performance, reliability, and cost. A particular configuration provides dedicated links between every pair of devices, maximizing redundancy at the expense of cabling and interfaces. Identifying this arrangement is a common exam topic.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The network has n devices (nodes).
• Each device connects directly to every other device.
• Therefore, each device needs n − 1 ports, and total links are n*(n − 1)/2.

Concept / Approach:
This description matches a full mesh topology. Mesh networks yield excellent fault tolerance and minimal hop count between nodes, but scale poorly in cabling/port costs. By contrast, a star uses a central hub/switch; a ring forms a closed loop; and a bus shares a common backbone.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Translate “n − 1 ports per device” to “each device links to all others.”2) Recognize the combinatorial link count characteristic of a full mesh.3) Conclude that the topology is a mesh.4) Note benefits (redundancy) and costs (interfaces/cable).

Verification / Alternative check:
WAN designs sometimes implement partial meshes to balance resiliency and cost; the full mesh adheres to the n − 1 port rule at each node.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ring: exactly two neighbors per node.
• Bus: single shared medium, not pairwise links.
• Star: all links terminate at a central node, not at every other device.
• None of the above: invalid because “mesh” fits perfectly.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a star-of-switches (which can provide many paths) with a true physical full mesh; the port-count criterion distinguishes them.

Final Answer:
mesh