"network distance of 1 hop," it means that the two network nodes are directly connected, and there is no intermediate device between them. They are usually connected on the same local network or subnet. This scenario is common in small local area networks (LANs) or when two devices are connected to the same switch or router.

For example, if you have a computer connected to a switch, and another computer connected to the same switch, the network distance between these two computers would be 1 hop. Data can travel directly between them without passing through any additional devices.

On the other hand, if two devices are connected to different switches or routers, or if they are separated by multiple intermediate devices, the network distance would be greater than 1 hop