Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology

Looking for advantages and disadvantages of Star Topology?

We have collected some solid points that will help you understand the pros and cons of Star Topology in detail.

But first, let’s understand the topic:

What is Star Topology?

Star Topology is a network topology where each device is connected to a central hub or switch.

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Star Topology:

Easy to expand – One of the benefits of star topology is its ease of expansion. New devices can be added to the network by simply connecting them to the central hub, without affecting the rest of the network.
High reliability – Star topology is also known for its high reliability, as any issues with one device will not affect the rest of the network. This is because each device has its own dedicated connection to the central hub.
Easy to troubleshoot – Troubleshooting is another advantage of star topology, as it is easy to identify which device may be causing an issue. This is because each device is connected to the central hub, making it easy to isolate and fix any problems.

High performance – Star topology networks also offer high performance, as data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently between devices. This is because each device has a dedicated connection to the central hub, eliminating the need for data to travel through multiple devices.
Secure – Star topology networks are also more secure compared to other network configurations. This is because each device is connected directly to the central hub, making it more difficult for unauthorized access or data breaches to occur.

Dependency on central hub – The central hub of a star topology network is essential for the proper functioning of the network. If the hub fails or malfunctions, the entire network will be affected, making it less reliable compared to other network configurations.

Cost – Star topology can be expensive to set up and maintain, as each device requires a dedicated connection to the central hub. This can be especially costly for larger networks, making it less practical for some organizations.
Limited scalability – Star topology networks may have limited scalability, as the number of devices that can be added to the network is limited by the number of ports on the central hub. This can be problematic for growing organizations that need to add more devices to their network over time.
Data congestion – In some cases, data congestion can occur in a star topology network, especially if there is heavy traffic between devices. This can slow down the network and cause delays in data transmission.

Single point of failure – As mentioned earlier, the central hub is essential for the proper functioning of a star topology network. However, this also means that it is a single point of failure, as any issues with the hub will affect the entire network.

That’s it.

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