Write two advantages and two dis-advantages for STAR topology.

Q. Write two advantages and two dis-advantages for STAR topology.

Answer =

Advantages of the Star Topology:-

• Ease of service:- The star topology has a number of concentration points (where connections are joined). These provide easy access for service or reconfiguration of the network.
• One device per connection:- Connection points in any network are inherently prone to failure. In the star topology, failure of a single connection typically involves disconnecting one node from an otherwise fully functional network.
• Centralized control/problem diagnosis:- The fact that the central node is connected directly to every other node in the network means that faults are easily detected and isolated. It is a simple matter to disconnect failing nodes from the system.
• Simple access protocols:- Any given connection in a star network involves only the central node. In this situation, contention for who has control of the medium for the transmission purposes is easily solved. Thus in a star network, access protocols are very simple.

Disadvantages of the Star Topology:-

• Long cable length:- Because each node is directly connected to the center, the star topology necessitates a large quantity of cable. Whilst the cost of cable is often small, congestion in cable ducts and maintenance and installation problems can increase cost considerably.
• Difficult to expand:- The addition of a new node to a star network involves a connection all the way to the central node.
• Central node dependency:- If the central node in a star network fails, the entire network is rendered inoperable. This introduces heavy reliability and redundancy constraints on this node.