Star network topology

Here Central server route data between clients.

In a star topology, a central server [or switching hub] switches data around the network. Data traffic between nodes and the server will thus be relatively low.

Since the data rate is relatively low between central server and the node, a low specification twisted-pair cable can be used to connect the nodes to the server.

A fault on one of the nodes will not affect the rest of the network. Typically, mainframe computers use a central server with terminals connected to it.

Disadvantage:

The network is highly dependent upon the operation of the central server. If it were to slow significantly then the network becomes slow. And if it were to become un-operation then the complete network would be shut down.

(According to http://homepages.uel.ac.uk)