A switch topology is an abstract representation of the channels and relays in a switch module. The topology establishes the default states for all relays on a module. It also defines the channel names. Some switches can use multiple topologies. Notice that terminal blocks or accessories can force the switch to use a given topology or set of topologies.
The power up default topology for each switch is set by the hardware. You can, however, change the default topology that the switch goes into when device reset is called by configuring the topology in MAX.
The three major switch topologies are general purpose, multiplexer, and matrix.