One of the most useful network arrangements is a star
topology. In a star topology, all the computers in the network are
connected with a central device known as "hub".
This hub is responsible for the communication among the connecting computers in a network.
Working of Star Topology
We have taken a look at the working strategy of a bus topology where computers in a
network are connected to a bus and use to keep contact by sharing, transferring
and receiving data and necessary information through this common communication medium.
Read: Bus Topology in Computer Network. However star topology
does not obey these laws for connecting computers. In this type of network topology, the whole communication process is
handled by a central gadget named as hub. What
is the central device in star topology? Hub or central device in star topology connects all computers in a
network system.
The sending computer in a star topology sends the data along
with the destination address to the central hub whenever it wants to send data
or any other notification to the desired computer. Direct communication is not
allowed in star topology i.e. the sending computer cannot send the data
directly to the receiving computer. It first sends this data to the hub. This
central hub finds the receiving computer according to the given address which
is provided by the sending computer. The data is then transferred to the
respective receiver.
Advantages of a Star Network Topology
Connecting computers in a network with Star topology is quite
advantageous. As in a bus topology, the
address and data of the receiving computer is checked by every single computer
in the network unless the data reaches the right receiver. However, in a star
topology, the address checking process is handed over to hub, which determines
the correct receiver and transfer the data to the desired computer system
except of sending data and address information to each computer to determine
whether it matches the respective computer address or not. Some important advantages of star topology have
been listed below:
- Easy to maintain
and modify
Star topology is very constructive as it’s not burdensome to
maintain this type of network topology. Moreover, star topology can be easily
modified as adding or removing computers in this type of computer network
topology cannot affect the whole network. This is because computers in a star
network are not connected to each other but with the central hub.
- Simple to find
faults
Establishing computer networks with a star topology is quite effortless i.e. if there is a fault
in the network with a star topology then it can be detected and modified
easily.
- Reliability
Star network
topology is one of the most reliable and auspicious network topologies.
Thus failure
of one computer in the network does not affect the whole network.
- More flexible
network topology
You would definitely find a star topology more flexible and
comfortable for your computer networks. Since all the computers in star network topology are
connected to a common central device, thus many computers can be linked to the
hub for establishing large computer networks.
Disadvantages of Star Network Topology
Generally, a star topology is the most considerable network
topology. Moreover, it is thought to be a best LAN topology regarding the
scalability and reliability. Here are two major disadvantages we would find in
a star network topology.
One major factor and drawback of these types of network topology that everyone need to know before setting up a computer network is that
the network with star topology would break down as a whole if the central hub
fails. This is considered one of the major disadvantages of star topology.
To connect computers with the central hub, star network
topology requires large length of cable which can cost higher in comparison
with other network topologies.
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