In this article, we are going to learn what are the characteristics of Star Topology Networking in computer systems.
Let us start
In Star topology, every node (computer) is connected to another not directly but connected with the help of a central node, and it can be a hub or switch (central device).
If one computer sends data to another computer or node, the data and information are received by the central node, HUB, or SWITCH.
Later the data is forwarded to the particular node in the network.
What is Star Topology in Networking?
Star Topology is a network in which some devices are connected in a star-like structure.
Suppose there are five nodes that are connected to the central node.
These five nodes are not directly connected to each other, but they connect to the central node through wires.
If one computer sends some data to a particular node or computer, for further communication they need to take the help of the central node as they are not capable of transferring data or information directly to each other.
Firstly node transfers the data to the central node then the central node transfers that data to that particular node in the star topology network.
What are the Characteristics of Star Topology Networking
Some of the logical characteristics of the star topologies networks are mentioned below.
- High Speed.
- Flexible.
- Reliable.
- Scalable.
- Ease in Troubleshooting.
- Performance.
- Robust In Nature.
1. High Speed
It is easy to expand the network without disturbing the whole network due to hub device network control.
It is easier to identify faults, and removing nodes of Star topology is easy; it provides a high speed of data transfer.
2. Flexible
In Star Topology, if any nodes stop responding or fail, it doesn’t affect the entire network.
It continues to work as before.
3. High Reliable
The Star Topology node is not directly connected to the other node to transfer data.
To transfer data to other computers or nodes, it uses a central node called HUB or SWITCH.
Therefore it makes data safer in the star topology network.
4. Highly Scalable
If the central node [HUB] has a capacity of 24 ports and we need to add 50 more nodes, we can connect another central node to our old node.
Therefore, the extra node does not cause any problems or does not misconfigure the entire network.
5. Easily Troubleshoot
In the Star topology, a hub or switch transfers the data from one node to another node.
If one of the nodes is broken or fails, the entire system doesn’t collapse.
6. Performance
In Star Topology Network, the data and information are sent from one node to another with the help of a central node.
This network attachment with the central node looks like a star design, therefore commonly called Star Topology Network.
7. Robust in Nature
Each port or hub requires one node if the number of ports increases, so the port or hub increases eventually.
Due to the hub device, there is an ease in fault detection.
What is the Function of Star Topology?
In Star Topology, the central hub passes the signal to the other connected computer to the hub.
The hub manages and controls all the functions of the network.
It also acts as data transfer from the hub to the computer, and this process continues for the data flow.
If one of the nodes is connected to any one of the nodes, so that node wants to send data to the central node, they pass the data to the other node.
Examples of Star Topologies
Star Network topologies are commonly used in the home as routers, and it gives data used by many devices.
Another example of Star Topologies is Switch, a networking device that connects multiple devices such as computers, printers, and servers.
They connect multiple devices, such as computers, wireless devices, printers, scanners, and servers, on the same network within a building or campus, or home.
A switch enables connected devices to share information and data between them without any issues.
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Advantages of Star Topologies in Points
- The Star Topology Networks are very easy to design and implement.
- For example, if a switch or hub has 24 ports, you can connect 24 computers to that switch. If these 24 computers are insufficient and you want to connect 50 more computers to the network, an additional switch is required.
- In Star Topology, there is Centralized administration which means the computer needs the help of the central node to send data to another computer.
- Easy to detect the fault and to remove parts.
Disadvantages of Star Topologies in Points
- The communication between the nodes fails if the central node stops responding.
- If a failure in the central node occurs, it affects the entire system. Therefore, there are no communications between the nodes in the network.
- If the central node is overloaded with a lot of traffic and processing, then the communication or performance is affected hugely.
Useful Video: Characteristics of Star Topology
Features of Star Topology
# | Star Topology Features |
1 | The Star Topology network is easy to install, use and connect. |
2 | In Star Topology, all nodes | devices are connected around the Central Hub or Switch. |
3 | Low maintenance is required in a star topology compared to other topologies. |
4 | Star Topology continues to work even if a single node or device is not working, it doesn’t affect the whole network. |
5 | The entire network is commanded, regulated, and controlled by HUB. |
6 | In Star Topology, one node sends data with the help of a Central Hub or Switch to a particular node, so the transmission of data is fast. |
Why Star Topology is Best.
A Star Topology is a topology for the Local Area Network (LAN) in which all nodes are connected to a central node individually.
A Star Topology takes more cables than Bus Topology, but the benefits are if one cable fails, then only one node doesn’t work.
The main advantage of the Star topology network is that if one node fails, the entire network is not stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] Star Topology Characteristics
Why switch is used in star topology?
The switch is used in star topology switching traffic between multiple ports simultaneously.
What is the conclusion of a star topology?
A star network topology is used in smaller networks; it is best suited when there are a limited number of devices connected in a network.
What are the components of a star topology?
Workstation, Server, Devices.
Which device is used in star topology?
Switch or HUB.
Coaxial Cable.
Optical Fibre or Twisted Pair Cable.
Why is it called star topology?
When seen this topology looks similar to a star, hence it’s name “Star Topology”.
Who invented star topology?
Dr. Howard (Howie) Frank.
Is star topology stable?
Yes, stable and secure.
Which topology is best?
Star Topology.
What is the bandwidth of star topology?
30 MHZ.
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