Star Topology

In a star topology, cable segments from each computer on the network are connected to a central component, or hub. A hub is a device that connects several computers together. In a star topology, signals are transmitted from the computer, through the hub, to all computers on the network. On a larger scale, multiple LANs can be connected to each other in a star topology.

An advantage of the star topology is that if one computer on the star topology fails, only the failed computer is unable to send or receive data. The remainder of the network functions normally.

The disadvantage of using this topology is that because each computer is connected to a hub, if the hub fails, the entire network fails. In addition, noise is created on the network in a star topology.