What is Star Topology ? Advantages and Disadvantages

What is STAR TOPOLOGY ?

Star topology a form of LAN architecture is which nodes on a network are connected to a common central hub or switch, and this is done by the use of dedicated links.

 In this kind of topology all the cables run from the computers to the central location where they are all connected by a device called hub or switch (or host node).
 Each computer on a star network communicates with a central device that resends the message either to each computer or only to the destination computer, e.g. if it is a hub then it will send to all and if it is a switch then it will send to only destination computer.
 When network expansion is expected and when the greater reliability is needed, star topology is the best.

Where is star topology used ?

Star topologies tend to be found in large organisations, such as educational establishments and businesses, where high performance is a must. They are also found in home networks, especially those that are wireless. In this case, a router with a wireless access point (WAP) provides the central connection for all nodes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Star topology

Advantages of Star topology:

1) It is easy to modify and add new computers without disturbing the rest of the network.
2) The center of the star network is a good place to diagnose the faults.
3) Single computer failure does not necessarily bring down the whole star network.

Applications of Star Topology

In networking, star topology can be used a variety of places. You can find its uses all around yourself due to its easy availability and cheap Star Topology Equipment. However, some uses of star topology are as follows:

• Most computer labs in educational institutions utilise this design to connect nodes in the lab.
• Our home networks are clearly configured in this Network Topology.
• Another use of star topology is the banking sector, where all banking users are connected with each other with the help of this Type of Topology

Disadvantages of Star topology:

1) If the central device (or the host node) fails the whole network fails to operate.
2) Star networking is expensive because all network cables must be pulled to one central point, requires more cable than other network topologies.

What we learnt: What is star topology ;Advantages and disadvantages of star topology, Where star topology is used example.

Also check : Generations of Computer