GCSE > Computer Science > AQA > GCSE Computer Science > COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Network topologies > Star topology
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COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Encoding and compression

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Network topologies

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Wired and wireless networks, protocols, and layers

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Threats to computer systems and networks

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Operating systems and utility software

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Impact of technology on society

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Types of data

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Producing robust programs

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Designing, creating, and refining algorithms

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Programming languages

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Network topology refers to how devices are arranged and connected to each other in a network. Note that topology refers only to the physical layout, not the network type (i.e. any topology can be peer-to-peer or client-server).
  • A star topology is where devices connect indirectly through a central switch or hub. The layout looks like a star with connections radiating from the center.

Advantages Disadvantages
  • Failure of one device doesn’t affect the rest of the network.
  • The switch prevents packet collisions by managing data flow. 
  • The switch can screen and discard corrupted packets, improving security.
  • Easy to add new devices.
  • The entire network fails if the central switch fails (single point of failure).
  • Can be expensive to install because each device requires its own cable to the central switch.

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