Star Topology

Star topology is a popular topology used now-a-day. Here all devices are connected to a centralized device. Centralized devices are hub or now-a-day switch.

In other words, you can say that the star topology consists of a central node to which all the other nodes are connected by a single path.

In this topology, every device to switch, there is a separate cable to connect and total communication occurred through a centralized device (switch or hub).

The star topology used in most existing information networks involving data processing or voice communications. The most common example of this is IBM 370 installations. In this case multiple 3270 terminals are connected to either a host system or a terminal controller.

Advantages of Star Topology

Here are the list of some main advantages of star topology:

In star topology, we can easily add new system to replace old system. Total network is not effected in this.
If there is a failure of a cable at one place, then only that cable user or computer user can get effect.
In star topology, the troubleshooting and to finding problem is too easy.

Disadvantages of star Topology

Here are the list of some main disadvantages of using the star topology:

In star topology, through every computer system there is a requirement of cable to connected through centralized device, in other word, in star topology, there is a requirement of more cable.
In star topology, if there is a failure of centralized device (can not fail in small time), then it is single point of failure. Since to every device and every computer, there is a separate cable, therefore it is very difficult to solve this failure.