Explaining Star Topology – Computer Network.

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The star topology is a network topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) that connects all devices via a central device.  The central device can be a HUB or Switch.  If the central connection fails, all communication fails, the biggest drawback of the star network connection.  On the advantage side over other topologies e.g., bus, if a connecting cable fails, only the node that connects to the network from the cable will disconnect.

The central node is responsible for delivering a message to the destination node.  Generally, it is a faster device, which may have its memory and processor.  If we talk about HUB, it is a simple broadcast device for a star topology network. Less expensive but inefficient.  A switch is more expensive but an efficient option for the central device. Both work at the data link layer of the OSI Model.

A LAN may have a star as well as other topologies e.g., Bus.