Star Network topologies

Star Network Topology

It is important that on a digram of a star network, you show the position of the fileserver, workstations and printer.

If asked to draw a star network you would get:-

• 1 mark for star shape
• 1 mark for position of file server
• 1 mark for position of terminal or peripheral
• 1 mark for labelling the cable

Advantages of a Star Network

• Fault tolerant - If one cable breaks/fails then other computers on the network can continue working
• Load tolerant - Extra computers can be added without much loss of performance because all computers have their own path to the hub.
• Very easy to add new machines/computers without disturbing the network.
• The possibility of having different communication links depending on anticipated volume from each computer.

Disadvantages of a Star Network

• Higher cost - the large amount of cabling needed makes it a more expensive topology.
• Dependence on the central hub, switch or router - if the device at the centre of the network fails, then the whole network will fail.