What is Network Topology?
Network topology is the physical or conceptual description of how links and nodes are connected to one another. A network’s configuration or topology is critical to its performance.
Network topologies are mainly classified into the following types.
- Star Topology
- Mesh Topology
- Bus Topology
- Ring Topology
- Hybrid Topology
- Tree Topology
Different types of Network Topologies
Each has pros and cons and depending on your company’s needs, different arrangements can provide you with a higher level of connectivity and security.
In this article, we are going to discuss star topology.
What is Star Topology?
A star topology is a network topology in which each device in the network is connected to a central node known as the switch or hub. This topology resembles a star when represented visually, hence its name.
Remote branches in a star topology arrangement can safely communicate with the business headquarters or central site. Intercommunication between the branches, however, is not authorized. Such a configuration could be used in a bank network to ensure that the compromise of one branch does not instantly lead to the compromise of another without being detected. To acquire access to a second branch, the attacker must first compromise the core network, which should be capable of detecting such an attempt. Star topologies offer the intrinsic advantage of allowing for the addition of new sites with simplicity; just the central site must be modified.
Star topologies are frequently paired with bus topologies to form what is known as a tree. This happens when the star topology’s switch is linked to the bus topology’s backbone.
What is the mechanism of Star Topology?
In this design, the central switch follows a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) table. The switch’s memory stores the hardware addresses of all linked computers. The message is sent to the switch by the sender’s computer. The switch retrieves the destination address from memory and forwards the message to the destination computer.
Where is the star topology used?
The star topology is utilised with caution in the Local Area Network (LAN). Almost all network setups, even small residences, and workplaces choose a star topology. Users link their mobile phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and so on to the router in the home network to gain Internet access.
Properties of Star Topology
Each device in a Star Topology connects to a Central Network Connectivity device such as a Hub, Switch, or Router. These devices would be linked in the form of a “star.” Another property of a Star Topology is that a failed connection affects only the failed devices unless that device is the connectivity Device. This means that a failing Device on a star will usually not bring the entire network down. Another advantage of a Star Topology is that it is easily expandable and scalable.
Various types of Mitsubishi PLC controllers and it software features
Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology
Advantages of Star Topology
- When compared to the Bus topology, it provides significantly superior performance; nevertheless, signals are not always sent to all workstations. A signal is delivered and arrives at its destination after traveling through no more than 3-4 devices and 2-3 links. The network’s performance is determined by the capacity of the central hub.
- It is simple to connect new nodes or devices. In a star topology, additional nodes can be quickly added without disrupting the rest of the network. Similarly, components can be simply removed.
- Management has been centralised. It aids in network monitoring. The failure of a single node or link has no effect on the remainder of the network. At the same time, it is simple to notice and debug the issue.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
- Too much reliance on a central device has its own set of difficulties. The entire network goes down if any failure occurs
- The employment of a hub, router, or switch as a central device raises the network’s overall cost.
- The performance and number of nodes that can be added in such a topology are determined by the capacity of the central device.