Learning mode

Seven topologies, eight criteria

How the classic network topologies differ, how they are scored, and what the scores rest on.

The topologies

Badges show what kind of design each one is. Select a card for its full score justification.

Author's assessment · same for every user

1–10, where 10 is always most favourable (Delay 10 = lowest delay, Complexity 10 = simplest, Cost 10 = cheapest). Hover or tap a cell for the reason.

For study: weight the criteria directly and watch the ranking change. For a recommendation from real requirements, use Choose a network.

Decision mode

Describe your situation in plain terms. The tool turns your answers into priorities, ranks the options, and explains the result.

Method & sources

Three layers: fixed baseline scores, weights from your priorities, and explicit scenario checks.

S(t) = Σ w(c) · s(t,c) ⁄ Σ w(c)

s(t,c): baseline score of topology t on criterion c, 1–10. Fixed and identical for every user.
w(c): weight 0–5. In Decision mode each weight starts at 3 and moves by the documented amount for each answer; you can then adjust it.
Scenario checks never change scores. They mark options as not recommended (legacy technology, impractical size, missing redundancy) and add hybrid designs.
Sensitivity: each weight is moved ±1, and 500 seeded random variations of ±25 % test how often the recommendation holds.

Every rule, as stored in data/rules.json.

Status shows what was checked on the given date. Page numbers are listed only where they were verified.