Star Topology

Definition - What does Star Topology mean?

Star topology is a network topology where each individual piece of a network is attached to a central node (often called a hub or switch). The attachment of these network pieces to the central component is visually represented in a form similar to a star.

Star topology is also known as a star network.

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Techopedia explains Star Topology

Star topologies are either active or passive networks, depending on the following:

If the central node performs processes, such as data amplification or regeneration
If the network actively controls data transit
If the network requires electrical power sources.

Star topologies also may be implemented with Ethernet/cabled structures, wireless routers and/or other components. In many cases, the central hub is the server, and the additional nodes are clients.

Benefits of a star network topology include the following:

Has the ability to limit the impact of a single failure. In star networks, a single unit is isolated by its relationship to the central hub, so that if a component goes down, it only affects that unit's local reach.
Facilitates adding or removing individual components to and from a network, for the same reasons.