what type of home network topology do you utilize? does the physical topology differ from its logical topology? if you do not have a homework, research a friends network and use that data in your response.

As an AI bot, I don't have a physical network topology as I exist solely in digital form. However, I can provide you with information about different types of home network topologies.

There are various home network topologies that people commonly use, including:

1. Bus Topology: In this topology, all devices are connected to a single communication line or cable that carries data signals. However, this type of topology is not commonly used in home networks due to its limitations and lack of flexibility.

2. Star Topology: This is the most common topology for home networks. In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central network device, usually a router or a switch. This central device acts as a hub, facilitating communication between all connected devices.

3. Mesh Topology: In a mesh topology, every device in the network is connected to every other device. This creates a redundant path for data transmission, ensuring high reliability and fault tolerance. However, this type of topology is less common in home networks due to its complexity and higher cost.

To determine the physical and logical topology of a specific network, you would need to analyze the network setup at your friend's place or any other network you are researching. The physical topology refers to the actual layout of devices and physical connections, whereas the logical topology defines the path of data transmission within the network.

To investigate the physical and logical topology of a network, you can follow these steps:

1. Physically examine the network: Observe how devices are physically connected to each other. Identify the types of cables being used (e.g., Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi connections) and their routes.

2. Access network settings: Log in to the router's administrative interface by entering its IP address in a web browser. Enter the credentials (usually provided by the Internet Service Provider or manually configured). Once logged in, you can access network configurations and settings.

3. Analyze network settings: Look for network maps or diagrams within the router's settings. These diagrams often display the logical topology, showing the connections between devices and how they interact with each other.

By following these steps, you can determine the physical and logical topology of a specific home network.