---
title: "Why does bus topology require terminators?"  
description: "Why does bus topology require terminators?"  
author: "Sandra Emily"  
published: 2022-05-31  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/97725/why-does-bus-topology-require-terminators  
category: "troubleshooting"  
tags: ["troubleshooting", "topology", "networking"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# Why does bus topology require terminators?

Why does [bus topology](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/97724/why-do-we-use-bus-topology) require terminators?

## Answers

### Answer by Hitesh Vohra

A bus topology connects each computer (node) to a single segment trunk (a communication line, typically coax cable) known as the 'bus.' The signal crosses the bus from one end to the other. **Each requires a terminator to absorb the signal so that it does not reflect back across the bus**. To handle collisions that occur when two signals are placed on the wire at the same time, a media access method known as CSMA/MA is used. The topology of the bus is passive. In other words, the computers on the bus simply 'listen' for a signal; they are not in charge of moving it.

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**Read More: [Which network topology is best and why?](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/97705/which-network-topology-is-best-and-why)**


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/97725/why-does-bus-topology-require-terminators

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