Star topology is a local area network where a central computer server usually forms the main node and the other nodes are connected to it and each other through a switch and a hub. This topology will require more cables than the ring and bus topology.

Most organizations and companies prefer this network because it won’t fail the whole network at once. So the reliability factor impacts the use of star topology.

Advantages

• The most reliable because the failure of a node or a node cable does not affect other nodes.
• Simple to troubleshoot because only one node is affected by a cable break between the switch and the node.
• Adding further nodes does not greatly affect performance because the data does not pass through unnecessary nodes.
• Easily upgraded from a hub to a switch or with a higher performance switch.
• Easy to install and to expand with extra nodes.

Disadvantages

• Uses the most cable which makes it more expensive to install than the ring and bus topologies.
• The extra hardware required such as hubs or switches further increases the cost.
• As the central computer controls the whole system, the whole system will be affected if it breaks down or if the cable link between it and the switch fails.
• If the switch, the link to the server, or the server itself fails then the whole network fails.