Star networks are one of the most common computer network topologies. In its simplest form, a star network consists of one central hub which acts as a conduit to transmit messages.

Explanation:

A distributed network configuration in which all data information pass through a central computer is known as a Star Network. In a star network, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch, which acts as a mediator to manage and direct traffic in the network. The devices in the network communicate with each other by sending messages to the central hub, which then relays them to the intended recipient.

Advantages of Star Network:

1. Easy to Manage: In a star network, the central hub acts as a single point of control, making it easy to manage and monitor the network.

2. High Performance: Since all devices are connected to a central hub, data transmission is fast and efficient, resulting in high network performance.

3. Scalability: Star networks are highly scalable, as new devices can be easily added to the network without affecting the performance of other devices.

4. Fault Tolerance: If one device in a star network fails, it does not affect the performance of other devices in the network. This is because each device is connected to the central hub independently.

Disadvantages of Star Network:

1. Dependence on Central Hub: The central hub is the backbone of the network, and if it fails, the entire network becomes unusable.

2. Cost: Star networks can be expensive to set up, as they require a central hub and a lot of cabling.

3. Limited Distance: The distance between the central hub and the devices in the network is limited by the length of the cable, which can be a disadvantage for large networks.

Conclusion:

The star network is a popular network topology used in many organizations due to its ease of management and high performance. However, it is important to consider the limitations of this network topology before implementing it.

Star topology