Star Topology Advantages and Disadvantages

To understand the advantages and disadvantages, first we have to know about the what is Star Topology? So, let's begin with introduction.

What is Star Topology?

The star topology is a standard and popular network setup. it is also known as a star network in terms. This topology is a network topology in which each piece of the network each attached to a central node. This central node is called a switch or a hub. In this network configuration, every node connects to a central network device like a switch, hub, or computer.

In this configuration, the central network device behaves like a server, and the peripheral devices behave like clients. We can say in this configuration; a central hub acts like a channel to transmit messages. An RJ-45 or a coaxial network cable is used in the setup of a star topology network, which depends on the type of network card installed in each computer. The star network is a very popular computer network topology in the industry.

The attachment for these network pieces to the central component is presented visually to show like a star. That's why it is also known as a star network.

The star topologies can be either passive or active networks depending on the following points:

• Whether the data transit in the network is controlled activity.
• Whether the electrical power sources are required by the network.
• Whether the central node performs data regeneration or amplification or any type of such kind of process.

Star topology can also be implemented with cable structures, Ethernet, wireless routers are other components. In many cases, the server is the central hub for the systems, and the additional nodes are the clients.

Advantages of Star Topology:

There are many advantages of using star topology which are described below:

1. User friendly:

Without affecting the rest of the network, the new nodes can be added easily to the star topology. In that manner, we can easily remove the components in it. So it is convenient to add more computers to the network. It also becomes easier to replace a damaged unit to maintain our productivity levels.

2. Centralized network:

The network is monitored with the help of a centralized management system using the hub, central computer, or switch.

3. Very reliable:

When a device or a cable fails, then the other devices which are connected to it will Work. Hence the rest of the network is not affected by the failure of one node or link.

4. Highly efficient:

Within the star topology, when each device is connected to the central core with the help of cables, then the chances of collision of data are relatively lower. From that, it means the system's performance level is higher than expected compared to other network designs.

5. Easily manageable:

Within the star topology, fault detection is easily manageable. It is because the link is often easily identified. On the other hand, in the star topology, troubleshooting and detecting failure is very easy.

6. No point-to-point connection:

A start apology system is very useful for networks that are practical of any size. Within this network, the signal reflection is at zero risk. With the help of point-based communication connections and unicast communication, it creates a secure way to transmit data packets.

7. Safe to use:

When a NIC failure is a cut cable experienced in a star topology, it will only affect one node.

By disabling the central core, we can simultaneously take down all of the devices. Since the central device is not available easily for everyone, it is a secure and safe network for businesses of any size that can use it to support their needs.

8. Multiple stars can be created to extend the network's reach:

With the help of star topology, we can easily extend the length of the network right and progress on our from multiple stars in the middle with their central core as a server. Even if to support all the activities to be functional for this approach, there must be enough power in this network.

Disadvantages of Star Topology:

Like many advantages of a star topology, there are also many disadvantages. The disadvantages of star topology are given below;

1. High cost:

Within the star topology implementation of a router or switch, it's very costly, especially when using a router or a switch as the central network device.

2. Central device Dependency:

Within the star topology, when a hub malfunctions, then everything goes down because no devices can work without a hub. The main negative point in this whole network is when the central device goes down or fails, the whole system goes down.

3. High maintenance:

Within the star topology, regular maintenance and more resources are required by the hub because it is the central system of the star.

4. Prone to damage:

Within the star topology, more potential damage exposure is created by the cables are wires used in it.

It needs to go behind under floors, walls, and through other obstacles To reach the intended peripherals or workstations. Also, if the LAN needs installation work on the exterior building, it becomes susceptible to changing wildlife impacts or weather conditions.

5. Low data transfer rates in the wireless system:

To manage heavy loads when we require a network,

Then a wired star topology system works better instead of a wireless one. A wireless LAN (WLAN) mobs much slower, so the risk of a bottleneck rises.

6. Immobile network system:

Although wireless star topology systems are available today, We are the most dependent on wired connections.So that it means the fixed length of the cable restricts the movement of the individual employees. Dramatically over time, this type of issue can reduce the level of productivity because one gets bound to sit at a particular distance from the central hub of the network system.

Comparison between advantages and disadvantages of star topology:

Summary:

The star topology system works well for Local Area Networks (LAN) when multiple connection points are necessary for a network. And as discussed earlier, the central hub might be expensive to install, but the data packet movement is typically faster because it is self-contained.