A star network is an implementation of a spoke–hub distribution paradigm in computer networks. In a star network, every host is connected to a central hub. In its simplest form, one central hub acts as a conduit to transmit messages.[1] The star network is one of the most common computer network topologies.
The hub and hosts, and the transmission lines between them, form a graph with the topology of a star. Data on a star network passes through the hub before continuing to its destination. The hub manages and controls all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. In a typical network the hub can be a network switch, ethernet hub, wireless access point or a router
The star topology reduces the impact of a transmission line failure by independently connecting each host to the hub. Each host may thus communicate with all others by transmitting to, and receiving from, the hub. The failure of a transmission line linking any host to the hub will result in the isolation of that host from all others, but the rest of the network will be unaffected.[2]
The star configuration is commonly used with twisted pair cable and optical fiber cable. However, it can also be used with coaxial cable as in, for example, a video router.
Advantages and disadvantages
editAdvantages
edit- If one node or its connection fails, it does not affect the other nodes.[3]
- Devices can be added or removed without disturbing the network
- Works well under heavy load
- Appropriate for a large network
Disadvantages
edit- Expensive due to the number and length of cables needed to wire each host to the central hub[3]
- The central hub is a single point of failure for the network
References
edit- ^ Roberts, Lawrence G.; Wessler, Barry D. (1970), "Computer network development to achieve resource sharing", AFIPS '70 (Spring): Proceedings of the May 5–7, 1970, spring joint computer conference, New York, NY, USA: ACM, pp. 543–549, doi:10.1145/1476936.1477020, S2CID 9343511
- ^ "Star Network". TechTarget. Retrieved 2014-06-24.
- ^ a b "Teach-ICT OCR GCSE Computing - computer network topologies, bus network, ring network, star network". teach-ict.com. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22.