The logical topology of a network describes the apparent relationships between its various components. The actual configuration of their wired and cabled connections constitutes their "physical topology." In a hub-and-spoke Ethernet network, for instance, where packet forwarding is handled by the hubs rather than the switches, the logical topology creates the impression that all of the nodes are physically connected via a single bus. Its physical topology, however, is that of a star, with all of its nodes radiating out from a single hub. What makes up a network and how its various parts are connected is known as its topology.
