There are many topologies available in networking like star topology, bus topology, tree topology, and others where each type of topology has its own advantages and disadvantages. In the domain of networking, topology refers to the layout of connected devices and network topology corresponds to the layout of various nodes, connecting lines, and nodes. Show There are mainly two approaches of specifying networks which are logical and physical topologies. Logical topology defines data transmission in the network in contrast to the design whereas physical topology corresponds to the way where a network is laid. Apart from these, Today, this article explains a star topology, its definition, how it works, its uses, and its drawbacks. What is Star Topology?The definition of star topology is defined as the networking topology where the components are connected through separate cables to a central section which is generally called HUB. There is no directions between the devices and because of this, there will be no traffic congestion in this topology. Here, the controller functions as an exchange which means that when a device needs to have communication with other devices, the transmitting device sends information to the controller, and then it transfers the data to receiving device. In the star topology, each device requires only one link and input-output port to connect to many others. In this, the hub/switch is even termed as server and the nodes that have a connection with the hub are called clients. The star topology diagram is shown below: Star Topology Diagram The nodes in a star topology are termed as hosts and the cables which are used for the connection can be optical/twisted fibers, coaxial cables, or RJ-45 connectors. The central device called a hub/switch holds the responsibility of traffic regulation in the network. Here, the network performance is based on the ability of the hub. When the hub/switch does not have the capability of handling multiple nodes, then there should not be any addition of new nodes. The network topology is termed STAR because the physical arrangement of nodes and hubs represents star shape. The central hub used in the star topology can be of four kinds which are of:
When any host device needs to transfer information to another host, then the information is initially transmitted to a central hub and from there it is transmitted to the receiver host. As discussed, the central hub can be a computer also where it operates as a server. Every node in this topology holds a specific address which helps in the transmission and reception of the message in the network. For example: when the switch acts as a server, then it used for storing entire addresses of nodes that are connected to it. When any specific node requires to send data, then the switch understands which node has to transmit data because it holds the addresses of all nodes. Whereas, when the hub acts as a server, then it does not have the capacity to store addresses. In that case, the hub transmits messages to all the nodes in the network and the receival device identifies the corresponding address of the transmission node and receives the information. When there is the failure of any one of the nodes in the network, then it does not show an impact on other nodes whereas when there is a failure in the central hub, then the total network stops working. Resetting of HubWhen no one of the star topology networks has access to network resources, then the hub is considered as either failed or overloaded. In this case, resetting the hub is to be done by pressing the reset switch. When resetting has to be done often, then there might be the chances of hardware components failure or extended limit of network bandwidth. So, the corresponding action is to be performed based on the failure activity. Differences between Bus and Star TopologyThe major difference to be considered between the star and bus topologies are explained in below tabular column.
Advantages and DisadvantagesThe advantages of star topology are explained as below:
The disadvantages of star topology are:
1). Which is an example of a star topology? The main example of star topology is an ethernet network 2). Where are star topologies used? Star topologies are mainly used in home networks which are usually wireless connections, and the other examples are in educational institutions and in businesses. 3). What type of cable is used in star topology? In the star topology network, coaxial cable or RJ-45 is used. It is completely based on the kind of network card that is installed on every computer. 4). What are the features of a star topology? The crucial features of star topology are:
This is all about the concept of star topology. This article has explained on star topology definition, its diagram, resetting of the hub, advantages, and disadvantages. Know, how star topology is used in video routers? |