What defines how devices physically connect in a network?

The correct answer is that the term used to define how devices physically connect in a network is topology. Network topology refers specifically to the arrangement or layout of different elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network. This includes the physical and logical arrangement of devices and how they interconnect and communicate with one another.

Understanding network topology is essential because it affects the performance, stability, scalability, and reliability of a network. Common types of topologies include star, ring, bus, and mesh, each having its unique structure and characteristics that determine how devices are interconnected.

While architecture broadly refers to the overall design and structure of a network, including both hardware and software components, it does not specifically address the physical connections among devices. Protocols define the rules and conventions for communication between network devices but do not pertain to the physical connections themselves. Similarly, the term system encompasses a wide variety of components and functionalities but lacks the specificity that topology provides in the context of physical connectivity.