Star Topology

Star topology is a network topology in which each network component is physically connected to a central node such as a router, hub, or switch.

In a star topology, the central hub acts like a server and the connecting nodes act like clients. When the central node receives a packet from a connecting node, it can pass the packet on to other nodes in the network. A star topology is also known as a star network.

Star networks require a point-to-point connection between the central node and connecting devices. To improve communication between the devices on the network, the central node can provide signal reconditioning and amplification services.

Picture: Star Topology

Star topologies are often used in home networks. The benefits of a star network topology include the following:

Limits the impact of a single point of failure. In star networks, each connecting node is isolated from other connecting nodes. If one connecting node goes down, it will not impact the performance of other connecting nodes in the network.

Facilitates adding or removing individual components to and from a network. Star networks are usually kept small because network performance can suffer when too many devices compete for access to the central node.

1.2.1. Advantages of star topology

• Centralized management of the network through the use of the central computer, hub, or switch.
• Easy to add another computer to the network.
• If one computer on the network fails, the rest of the network continues to function normally.

1.2.1. Disadvantages of star topology

• It may have a higher cost to implement, especially when using a switch or router as the central network device.
• The central network device determines the performance and number of nodes the network can handle.
• If the central computer, hub, or switch fails, the entire network goes down, and all computers are disconnected from the network.