This key facts covers Star Topology within Network Topologies for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Network Topologies in Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 11 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 11
Practice
15 questions
Recall
18 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