Star Topology is a popular type of network topology in which each node (computer or another device) is connected directly to a central server. The server acts as a hub, and all data traffic passes through it. Star topologies are often used in small office or home office (SOHO) networks, as well as in larger enterprise networks.
What are the characteristics of Star Topology?
Here are the characteristics of star topology:
- Each device is connected to a central server (or hub).
- The central server (or hub) is the single point of failure for the entire network.
- Star topologies are more expensive than other types of network topologies.
- Star topologies require more cabling than other types of network topologies.
- Star topologies are more reliable than other types of network topologies.
- Star topologies are easier to troubleshoot than other types of network topologies.
- Star topologies are limited in terms of scalability.
Advantages of Star Topology
Here are the advantages of star topology:
Easy to Install and Wire: Since each device only connects to the central server (or hub), star topologies are much easier to install and wire than other types of network topologies.
Easy to Expand: Adding new devices to a star network is also very easy. Simply connect the new device to the central server (or hub), and it will be ready to communicate with the other devices on the network.
Reliable: Star topologies are also much more reliable than other types of network topologies. If one node on the network goes down, it will not affect the others.
Easy to Troubleshoot: Star topologies are also much easier to troubleshoot than other types of network topologies. If there is a problem with one node, it is easy to isolate and fix the issue without affecting the other nodes on the network.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
Here are the disadvantages of star topology:
Requires More Cabling: Since each device must be connected to the central server (or hub), star topologies require more cabling than other types of network topologies.
Single Point of Failure: The central server (or hub) is a single point of failure for the entire network. If the server goes down, the entire network will be unavailable.
More Expensive: Since each device must be connected to the central server (or hub), star topologies are more expensive than other types of network topologies.
Limited Scalability: Star topologies are also limited in terms of scalability.
How we can achieve Redundancy in Star Topology?
Achieving redundancy in star topology is difficult because the central server (or hub) is a single point of failure for the entire network. If the server goes down, the entire network will be unavailable. To achieve redundancy, you would need to have multiple servers (or hubs) connected to each other in a fail-over configuration. This would be expensive and difficult to manage.
What device is used to create a physical star topology?
The device used to create a physical star topology is called a central server (or hub). This is a special type of device that connects all the other devices on the network together.
Here are the devices that can be used to create a physical star topology:
Ethernet Hub: An Ethernet hub is a device that connects multiple computers together. It allows them to communicate with each other and share data.
Ethernet Switch: An Ethernet switch is a device that connects multiple computers together. It allows them to communicate with each other and share data. Unlike an Ethernet hub, an Ethernet switch can also provide each computer with its own dedicated line.
Router: A router is a device that connects multiple networks together. It allows them to communicate with each other and share data.
Importance of Star Topology in Tier 3 Architects
Star topology is important in Tier 3 architectures because it provides a high level of reliability and uptime. In a Tier 3 architecture, if one node goes down, the other nodes will still be able to communicate with each other. This is because each node has its own dedicated line to the central server (or hub).
Finally, star topology is important in Tier 3 architectures because it is easy to troubleshoot. If there is a problem with one node, it is easy to isolate and fix the issue without affecting the other nodes on the network.