What advantage does a star topology provide?

A star topology offers the advantage of isolating individual nodes, which significantly enhances the reliability of the network. In this configuration, each device is connected to a central hub or switch. If one node fails or experiences issues, it does not impact the functionality of the other nodes connected to the hub. This isolation allows for easier troubleshooting and maintenance, as individual devices can be addressed without taking down the entire network. Moreover, the central hub can manage data traffic effectively, ensuring that disruptions in one area do not propagate throughout the network, thus preventing widespread downtime.

This characteristic makes star topologies particularly suitable for environments that require high availability and continuous operation, as each node remains independently functional.