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The star network

In a star network each device on the network has its own cable that connects to a switch or hub. A hub sends every packet of data to every device, whereas a switch only sends a packet of data to the destination device.

Demonstration of a star network connectionA star network, where devices are connected to a central hub or switch

Advantages and disadvantages of a star network

The advantages of a star network are:

  • it is very reliable – if one cable or device fails then all the others will continue to work
  • it is high-performing as no data collisions can occur

The disadvantages of a star network are:

  • it is expensive to install as this type of network uses the most cable (network cable is expensive)
  • extra hardware is required (hubs or switches) which adds to cost
  • if a hub or switch fails, all the devices connected to it will have no network connection
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