In Star Topology each device or the connection of all these devices to the Central Node appears as a Star. Hence it is known as star topology.
If Nodes or Computer want to communicate with each other then they send message to Central Server i.e. Hub and Hub sends this message back to all Nodes or Computer.
Definition of Star Topology
Star topology is the widely used network for LAN. First popularized by ARCNET, it was adopted by Ethernet.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) is a type of Ethernet cabling used to connect devices to a hub. Coaxial Cable as well as Optical Fiber can also be targeted.
Star topology can be implemented with cable structures, wireless routers, Ethernet or other components.
In this topology, all computers or devices are not connected to each other but are connected to a central hub. The central network is a server, and other devices are clients.
Whenever a computer sends data to other computers through the network. After which it is sent along the cable to the Central Hub or Switch after which it determines through which port the data should be sent to go to an eligible destination.
Example of star topology
Star topologies are mostly used in large organizations such as educational institutions, and in businesses where high performance is required.
It is also used in home networks. Especially those that are wireless, in which the Wireless Access Point (WAP) provides a central connection facility for all nodes.
How does star topology work?
Suppose, if a computer wants to send information to another computer, then that computer will send that information to the Hub, after which the Hub checks the address of the computer to which the message is to be sent, then it forwards the message.
The Hub does not have any kind of memory of its own, so when the information is sent by the first computer, the Hub has to find out from other computers and ports whether it is the address of that computer.
The name of this process is Address Resolution Protocol (ARP).
Which we can understand in such a way that by finding the correct address of the Hub Recipient Computer, it can send information to it and transfer the data to the place where it is to be transferred.
Star Topology Active or Passive Networks
Star topology is either an Active Network or a Passive Network based on the following information.
- If the Network Central Node processes the data expansion or correction.
- If sources of electrical power are needed.
- The network actively controls data transit.
Advantages of Star Topology
We will tell further about the benefits of using Star Topology.
- New nodes can be added to the network by simply connecting to the switch.
- In this, new computers or machines can also be added and removed without affecting the entire network.
- If one cable or device fails, the rest of the devices still work.
- It is less expensive.
- Fault finding is easy as the link can be easily identified.
- It is a high-performance topology because there is no data clash in it.
- Different types of machines can also be included in the Star Network, that is, a large network can be created in it.
- In this the message is sent to the desired device so that it is a high performance network.
- It is completely safe from Cyber Attack.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
Now where it has advantages, it also has some disadvantages, let us know what are the disadvantages of star topology
- Wired Star Topology requires more cables. Due to which it is expensive for large networks.
- When the switch fails, the entire network fails because no node can communicate in it.
- Hub requires more resources and complete maintenance because it is the central system of Star Topology.
- It requires Extra Hardware (Hub and Switch)
Is star topology secure?
Remote branches in Star Topology can communicate in a secure manner with the central site or corporate headquarters. But these branches are not allowed to intercommunication.
It is most important that if the central site fails, all the connections are lost because the central site plays an important role in a star topology.
