Which type of network topology involves all devices connected in a linear fashion?

The correct answer is bus topology because in this configuration, all devices are connected to a single central cable or backbone. This linear connection allows data packets to be transmitted along the cable, which means that all devices share the same communication medium. When a device wants to send data, it sends the data along the bus, and all other devices on the network can receive and act on that data.

Bus topology is often used in environments where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are priorities. It requires less cable than some other topologies, making it easier to set up and maintain. However, its main limitation is that if the central cable fails, the entire network goes down, which is a significant drawback compared to more resilient topologies.