When two or more computers are connected with each other with the help of a router, hub, or switch and allow computers to share data, information inside a computer network is called “Computer Networking”.
The computers are connected with the help of cables which may be Ethernet cables or Optic fiber cables.
This method where cables are used is called a wired network.
The technique where no cables are used for networking is called “Wireless Networks”.
In these networks, many other network resources are used like printers, scanners, internet, multi-user software, etc.
In this post, I am going to discuss on 8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology in Computer Networks as well as the benefits and drawbacks of star networks with the pros and cons of using star networks with examples and pictures.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Star Topology
Let us understand and discuss some of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology with the help of an image.
Benefits & Advantages of Star Topology
- Installation
- Space
- Maintenance
- Easy to Troubleshoot
- Fast Networks
- Easily Update and Upgrade
- Networks can be Expanded
- Centralize Network
- Performance
- Robust in Nature
1. Installation
The installation process of a star topology network is not as difficult as it looks. Yes of course professional guidance is required while installation.
Star Topology network is installed in small premises therefore to install network devices does not eat time as well as space.
The number of nodes [devices] attached to this network is limited and hence requires less time to configure them according to our network.
The main device of this type of network is a router, hub, or switch which can be configured easily.
The network device comes with an installation guide that can be configured by placing a CD or DVD in the drives and later following the instruction mentioned on the screen.
2. Space
As discussed earlier this type of star topology network are used in houses, institutes, and small organization.
It does not take much space and can be installed and accommodated in less area.
The devices used in the networks are not huge and therefore can be fitted in less space.
if you need a computer network for fewer nodes [devices] it is highly recommended to use star topology networks.
3. Maintenance
These networks have low maintenance due to several reasons behind them.
- Fewer Devices [nodes] are available in the network.
- Centralized structure.
- Network devices are easy to investigate for problems.
- No large number of manpower is required.
- Professional guidance is required when a complex issue arises.
4. Easy to Troubleshoot
Common computer networks such as star topology networks can be created with the help of some network devices and nodes which I am going to share with you.
- Switch or HUB
- Cables [Cat5 or Cat6]
- RJ45 or RJ11 connectors
- Coaxial Cable
- Optic Fiber
- Twisted Pair Cable
- Computer and Laptops
Now to diagnose a problem with a small network is an easy task as the network engineer needs to investigate less number of devices with proper functionality.
For HUB, SWITCH, or ROUTER the power connection is checked and if the power is working properly the signals from the network devices are investigated whether they are performing to their full potential or not.
And if any issues are found with the network device they can be easily replaced or changed.
In some cases, these devices can be repaired to some extent.
Now the cables are checked whether they are damaged or found issues with them they can be changed and replaced which is an easy task.
Sometimes the crimping of the RJ45 connector can also cause problems with connectivity,
5. Fast Networks
They are fast networks when compared to older networks and their counterparts.
The star topology networks have limited nodes and connections and hence the data exchange and transfer are done with a good amount of speed also without any obstacles.
These networks are built with optic fiber cables and Coaxial cables which are considered to be the fastest cables that allow data and information to travel with incredible speed and accuracy with a low amount of latency.
Due to this advantage of the star topology networks, they are more popular and used worldwide and had easily replaced other computer networks.
6. Easily Update and Upgrade
There are few devices attached to these networks therefore they can easily be upgraded and updated whenever required.
Also, the costs of the network devices are pretty affordable to the pockets and can be changed.
But it is generally found that once this network is installed updation or up-gradation is not required as they can serve for long durations without any hassles.
7. The Network Can Be Expanded
The star topology network is highly flexible. The no of devices or nodes can easily be attached or added to the computer network without consuming much time.
The number of nodes that could be attached to a network entirely depends on the router, switch, or hub of the computer network.
The node can be easily added to the network without disturbing other devices.
8. Centralize Network
The star topology network is in the form of centralizing architecture and design.
The design is in the form of a star therefore the name star topology network has been given to these networks.
In centralized, networks all the connections to other network devices and nodes are through centralized devices such as routers, hubs, or switches.
This design helps network engineer to diagnose the problem and troubleshoot them easily as they have fewer devices to investigate and therefore requires less time to solve the issue that arises in this sort of computer network.
Therefore they have gained so much popularity over the years and still play a dominant role in computer networks.
9. Performance
The performance of the star topology networks is good as they have a minimal number of nodes attached to them.
Therefore, they can access and transfer the data at high speed and with a low amount of latency.
The performance is better than their counterparts and therefore used in small offices and homes.
10. Robust in Nature
The network is very simple to handle and maintain.
If any node or device attached to the network does not perform well or gets damaged it can be easily replaced without hurting or damaging the entire network.
Even any node can easily be attached to the network without disturbing the network.
Disadvantages of Star Topology | Drawbacks of Star Topology
- Costlier.
- Dependent on HUB or SWITCH.
- Limitations of Connections.
- Cable Damage.
- Speed.
- Issues in Mobility.
- More Hardware is Required.
- Cables have Limited length and Connectivity.
1. Costlier
The Star Topology networks are considered to be costlier compared to other networks.
As in these networks, every node is connected by the cable which is also connected to centralized network devices like HUB or Router.
There are plenty of cables and wires which are costly in nature, therefore, these types of networks are quite expensive.
2. Dependent on HUB or SWITCH
These networks hugely depend on hubs or switches for communication and connection.
They allow data transfer and sharing through them to other devices and nodes of the network.
The biggest disadvantage of the star topology network is that if the centralized network device like HUB, SWITCH, or ROUTER gets damaged or ill performs the complete network gets disturbed and stops performing.
3. Limitations of Connections
Router, Switch, or Hub has a restriction on the number of devices [nodes] to be attached or connected to them.
Therefore the number of nodes cannot be exceeded as per the network devices.
And if the limitation of the network device is crossed it refuses to accept other devices and nodes to its network.
4. Damage Cables.
There are plenty of cables and wires attached to the star topology network which sometimes irritates users.
These cables get damaged very easily and the need for replacement and change is found on more occasions.
5. Speed
As there is a limited number of nodes attached to the network the speed of data exchange and transfer is much more when compared to other networks.
They Networks use LAN connections for high speeds up to 100MBPS.
They more often than not use optic fiber cable which is considered the fastest cable for providing high-speed connections.
6. An issue in Mobility.
The network has a large number of cables and wires which are placed in a dormant position.
The devices and nodes attached to the network system are almost placed in a fixed position and therefore moving them from one location to another location is a difficult task.
Moreover, the nodes are attached to the wires which are crimped to them with the help of RJ45 connectors, and can easily get damaged when moved from one location to another.
7. Cables have Limited length and Connectivity.
An Ethernet cable is designed and developed in a fashion that can cover a maximum distance of 100 meters or 328 feet.
If you extend the cable above 100 meters you can face issues like dropped packets, reduced performance, signal loss, poor latency, and signal break.
The speed of the cable is limited to 100 MBPS.
What is Star Topology in Computer Network
In Star topology computers, laptops, printers, and scanners are connected with a networking device known as HUB, SWITCH, OR ROUTER.
The HUB acts as the communicating device which receives and transfers information and data in a computer network.
HUB is centered in the structure or the design of the star topology where all the devices like laptops, computers, and printers are connected to each other.
The design and structure form a figure like a star; therefore, this type of topology is called Star Topology
Different Types of Topology
There are five types of topology in computer networks
- Bus Topology
- Ring Topology
- Star Topology
- Mesh Topology
- Tree Topology
Characteristics of Star Topology?
- High Speed
- Flexible
- High Reliability
- High Maintainability
- Easily Troubleshoot
- Performance
- Robust in Nature
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