Which network topology can provide redundancy and reliability by offering multiple data paths?

The mesh topology is characterized by its multiple interconnections between network devices, which enables redundancy and reliability. In a mesh network, every device is connected to various other devices, creating multiple pathways for data to travel. This structure ensures that if one path fails, data can still reach its destination through an alternative route.

This capability is particularly advantageous for maintaining network operations during outages or failures, as communication can continue even if some parts of the network are compromised. Additionally, mesh topologies support increased fault tolerance, making them ideal for environments where reliable connectivity is critical.

On the other hand, star topology relies on a central hub; if the hub fails, the entire network is incapacitated. A linear bus topology connects all devices in a single chain, which means that if the main cable fails, the entire network segment is affected. The point-to-point topology involves direct connections between two devices, which does not provide redundancy or multiple paths.

Therefore, the nature of the mesh topology as providing multiple paths for data makes it the optimal choice for redundancy and reliability in network design.