Which network topology is recognized for offering superior fault tolerance?

The mesh topology is recognized for its superior fault tolerance because it allows for multiple paths between devices within the network. In a mesh setup, each device is interconnected with several others, meaning that if one link fails, data can still be rerouted through alternative paths. This redundancy ensures that the network remains operational even if some connections are lost, making it ideal for environments where reliability and uptime are critical.

In contrast, other topologies, such as star or bus, may not provide the same level of fault tolerance. For example, in a star topology, if the central hub or switch fails, all devices connected to that hub lose their network connection. Similarly, in a bus topology, if the main cable fails, the entire network will go down until it is repaired. While tree topologies can offer some level of redundancy, they typically depend on hierarchical connections that could be vulnerable to single points of failure, especially at higher levels of the hierarchy. Thus, the mesh topology stands out as the most resilient option in terms of fault tolerance.