Which topology is most commonly associated with Ethernet?

The star topology is most commonly associated with Ethernet because it provides a centralized management point for network connections. In a star topology, each device on the network is connected to a central hub or switch. This centralization simplifies troubleshooting and network management, as any issues can typically be isolated to a single connection without affecting the entire network.

Additionally, the star topology allows for easy scalability since new devices can be added without significant disruption to the network. Each device operates independently, and the failure of one device doesn’t impact the others, enhancing the network's reliability. This design aligns well with Ethernet standards, which have evolved to accommodate high-speed connections and the need for efficient data traffic management.

In contrast, other topologies, such as bus or ring, have limitations regarding fault tolerance and scalability, making them less suitable for Ethernet networks as they scale. Mesh topology, while robust, tends to be more complex and expensive to implement, which also makes it less common in typical Ethernet setups.