6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Star Topology

What is Star Topology ?

Star topology is a network where all the devices of the network is connected to a central device. The central device can be a hub, router or a switch.

Who controls Star Topology ?

The entire administration of the device is taken care by the central device. If a data needs to be transmitted from one device to another, it cannot be done directly. It has to first pass through a central device then it forwards them to a targeted device.

How is Star Topology connected ?

All the connections here are made using Point-to-Point. For this purpose, it uses a single Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet cable. Although star topology is the most used network topology in homes and offices, it aren't flawless. With the benefits, star topology has several drawbacks as well. For those who are willing to setup this network, it is worth considering the pros and cons.


In this article, you will get the information on 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Star Topology. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using star network.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Star Topology

1. Installation

The installation procedure of a star network is rather easy since it follows a more streamlined approach. The companies will be able to install it the way the want. 

 

The presence of a central device ensures that all the connected devices communicate with one an another effectively.


2. Performance

Star topology connects each of its device to its central hub using its own cable. This ensures that very minimal amount of data collisions take place. Less data collisions in essence means that the performance levels are significantly higher. 

 

Additionally, the signals doesn't get transmitted to each and every device which increases the performance even more.


3. Centralization

Due the centralized architecture in star topology, it is easy to manage the entire network. Network administrators can easily identify and troubleshoot failures which makes their job comfortable.


4. Robustness

Star topology is also extremely robust in nature. If there is a failure in a particular node, only that node will stop working. Others will continue to function fine. The entire network will not get affected here.


5. Scalability

In star topology, modifying the network is a straightforward process. It is possible to extend the network without any disturbances. 

 

Similar to that, if there is any malfunctioning devices it can be removed easily without affecting the entire network.


6. Device Support

The central device in a star topology network is able to support device range of components like Printers, Photocopiers and Scanners. 

 

This setup can be used to connect devices in the entire office as long as the components are supported by the central device.


 

Disadvantages of Star Topology

1. Cost

Star topology is known to be a network that requires the most cables. Each of the devices has to be connected to the central device separately. This in turn increases the overall cost of the network.


2. Hardware Requirement

The central device that is the switch, hub or a router used in a star topology is highly expensive. The star topology doesn't work unless one of them are present. 

 

If there are several star topology systems, each one requires separate central device which increases the installation cost.


3. Mobility

Most of the star topology system today depends on wired connections. Which means that the workers needs to carry the burden of cables. 

 

The length of the cable is limited to certain range. This severely restricts the mobility of workers. The workers cannot operate while moving away from the central device.


4. Core Failure

Star topology entirely depends on the central device for the network communication. It must be functioning well for the data transmission to take place. In case, if it undergoes any failure all the connected devices will stop working.


5. Cable Damages

The cables used in star topology networks is prone to damages since it is exposed to the outer environment. It has to go through floors, walls and other obstacles. 

 

Sometimes the cables needs to go through exterior of the building which means that it can be affected by adverse weather conditions. 

However, the users can prevent these cables damages to some extent by implementing protective measures. But still, there can be accidents.


6. Mobile Support

Although it is easy to add devices in a star topology network, it is not in the case of mobile devices. Even some tablet PCs lacks these feature. Star topology does not come with a network port for the internet access. 

 

So those with mobile devices have to rely on their cellular data. This is a major problem for workers who try to collaborate on projects using mobile devices.