STAR TOPOLOGY

A star network uses a central server to route data between clients.

                        (Buchanan,2000)                                                                                

ADVANTAGES: One of the advantages of a star network is that, a low specification twisted-pair cable can be used for connection between the server and the nodes (clients) since data rate is relatively low between the central server and the nodes. Also, a fault on one of the nodes will not affect the rest of the network, as individual node failure does not affect the network.

DISADVANTAGES: The basic problem with the star topology is that the network is highly dependent upon the operation of the central server. Hence, there is a single point of failure. how functionally effective the central server is, determines how effective the network is. If the central server is significantly slow, then the network becomes slow, or, if it (server) becomes un-operational, then the complete network would be shut down.

Reference:

Buchanan,W(2000). Distributed Systems and Networks. Berkshire: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. p 218.

Stallings,W.(1990).Local Networks (3rd Ed). New York: MacMillan Publishing Company. p. 65.     

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