Stjärntopologin

Stjärntopologin, also known as star topology, is a network configuration where all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. In this arrangement, each device has a dedicated point-to-point connection to the central node. The central hub acts as a repeater, receiving data from one device and transmitting it to all other devices on the network. If a cable fails or a device malfunctions, it typically only affects that specific connection, and the rest of the network continues to operate.

This topology is relatively easy to install and manage. Adding or removing devices is straightforward as it only involves connecting or disconnecting a single cable to the central hub. Troubleshooting is also simplified, as a fault can often be isolated to a specific cable or device. However, a significant drawback of stjärntopologin is its reliance on the central hub. If the hub fails, the entire network goes down.

Another consideration is the amount of cabling required. Each device needs its own cable to connect to the central point, which can lead to a substantial amount of wiring in larger networks. Despite this, the ease of management and the isolation of faults make stjärntopologin a popular choice for many small to medium-sized networks, especially in environments where reliability and ease of maintenance are prioritized. It is commonly used in Ethernet networks utilizing switches.