This key facts covers Star Topology within Network Topologies for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Network Topologies in 3.5 Fundamentals of Computer Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 16 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 4 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Star Topology
What is Star Topology?
All devices connect to a central switch or hub, forming a star shape. Every device has its own dedicated cable to the center. Data travels: Device → Switch → Destination Device.
How It Works:
- Central hub/switch: The brain of the network - all devices connect to it
- Dedicated connections: Each device has its own cable to the center
- Data flow: Computer A sends to switch, switch forwards to Computer B
- Isolation: Each device is electrically isolated from others
Star Topology Advantages:
- Easy to add devices: Just plug a new cable into the central switch
- Isolated failures: If one cable breaks, only that device is affected - others keep working
- Easy troubleshooting: Problems are isolated to individual cables
- High performance: No collisions - switch manages traffic efficiently
- Centralized management: Network administered from central switch
Star Topology Disadvantages:
- Single point of failure: If central switch dies, ENTIRE network goes down
- More expensive cabling: Every device needs its own cable to center
- Switch cost: Central switch can be expensive (especially for large networks)
- Cable length limitations: All devices must be within cable reach of center
Common Uses:
- Home networks: Your WiFi router is the center of a star
- Office LANs: Computers connect to floor switches
- School networks: Computers in labs connect to central switches
- Small business: Cost-effective and easy to manage
Practice questions for Network Topologies
In a star network topology, all devices connect to which central component?
State two advantages of a mesh network topology. [2 marks]