Star topology is a type of network topology in which all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. This central hub acts as a central point of control for the network and coordinates the transfer of data between devices.
Advantages of
star topology include:
- Easy to set up and configure: Each
device only needs to be connected to the central hub, making it simple to
set up and configure.
- Easy fault identification and
isolation: If a problem occurs, it is easy to identify and isolate the
device causing the problem.
- Robustness: If one device or link
fails, it will only affect that specific device and not the whole network.
- Cost-effective: Star topology uses
inexpensive coaxial cable.
However, star
topology also has some disadvantages:
- Single point of failure: If the
central hub or switch fails, the entire network will go down.
- Limited scalability: The number of
devices that can be connected to the network is limited by the number of
ports available on the central hub.
- Performance is based on the central
hub: The overall performance of the network is dependent on the
capabilities of the central hub.
Overall, star
topology is a simple and cost-effective network architecture that is easy to
set up and configure, allows for easy fault identification and isolation, and
is robust. However, it also has the disadvantage of having a single point of
failure and limited scalability. It is suitable for small networks or as a
sub-topology for larger networks.