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star topology
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Diagram comparing three local area network configurations: a bus network with devices connected in a line to a central bus, a ring network with devices linked in a closed loop, and a star network with devices connected to a central hub. Each network includes user stations, a file server, and a printer.
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star topology

communications
Also known as: star network
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Diagram comparing three local area network configurations: a bus network with devices connected in a line to a central bus, a ring network with devices linked in a closed loop, and a star network with devices connected to a central hub. Each network includes user stations, a file server, and a printer.
Local area networks (LANs) Simple bus networks, such as Ethernet, were common for home and small office configurations. The most common ring network was IBM's Token Ring, which employed a “token” that is passed around the network to control which location has sending privileges. Star networks are common in larger commercial networks since a malfunction at any node generally does not disrupt the entire network.

A star topology is a network configuration where all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. This central point acts as an intermediary for all communications. If one device needs to send data to another, it first sends the data to the central hub, which then forwards it to the intended recipient.1

This setup is a type of broadcast network, meaning transmissions from one node are received by all others. In a star topology, the central hub manages the flow of data, ensuring that devices take turns transmitting and preventing collisions. This contrasts with a fully connected topology, where every device has a direct link to every other device, which is impractical for larger networks.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. telecommunications network
  2. computer - Local area networks

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