Updated May 30, 2023
Introduction to Extended Star Topology
Network topology is the arrangement of network nodes to form a logical and physical structure. The network topology includes the complete procedure which includes the information about all nodes which are placed in the network and form a network structure. The network topology also includes information about how the data will be transfer between the network nodes. It is a type of star topology in which one more additional networking device is directly connected to the central networking device. It looks like a mesh of switches that are interconnected to network and one central networking device control the network.
Why Do We Use an Extended Star Topology?
Star topology is the most common type of network topology which is used in different sectors like offices, homes, and other sectors. It is a type of network topology in which all the nodes are connected to one hub or switch and then that switch is directly connected to a central hub or switch. The central hub act as a central node for communication and transfer of the messages.
It contains different nodes that are known as hosts and the central node of communication is called a hub or the server. The other name of the central hub is the peripheral host and the nodes can be called as leaves of the peripheral host. The central hub act as the central point of communication, and if any node wants to transfer any message to some other node the first step is to transfer the message to a central hub and then the central hub will transfer that message to a destination node.
This type of network formation is known as star topology or the extended star topology. It is beneficial for short-distance communication which can be used in offices, homes, computer labs, and small buildings where the local area network is established. The other benefit of using an it is that all the nodes can be managed from one point which is a central hub. The central hub has the content addressable memory (cam) table which is used to store the address of all nodes so that all the information of connected nodes can be managed properly by the central hub. for e.g. if Node X wants to send any message to Node Y.
The first step that will be taken by Node X is to transfer that message to the central hub and then the central hub will forward that message to Node Y. The transport mechanism used by the central hub is the address resolution protocol (arp). the arp protocol helps to find the address of the destination node where the message will be sent. It is beneficial because if any node goes down it will not affect the whole network and the communication process will continue.
Uses of Extended Topology
The extended star topology is mostly used where there is a need for connecting multiple nodes to one central node and control all nodes from the central node. Some of the uses are as mentioned below:
- It can be used in establishing the LAN (Local Area Network) connection. The Lan connection helps to connect the computers to one central point. The LAN connection can be used in a short distance where there is a need for connecting more than one computer and they are placed nearby only.
- It helps to s=transmit the data and information to any other node present in the network. Any node can send a message to any other node. The only requirement is that all nodes should be connected to one central hub or switch.
- It can be used in offices and homes. As there can be a need for connecting more than one computer to each other. They can easily do this by establishing a LAN connection between them.
- The network failure probability can be reduced by using the extended star topology. AS the nodes are connected to one central hub there is less chance that the network will fail as the nodes are independent of each other and they are directly connected to only one central hub or switch.
While using this there can be also some disadvantages when the topology is not properly implemented in the network. Some of them are mentioned below:
- As all nodes are connected to a central hub it requires more wire as each node requires a wire to connect to a central hub which increases set up cost for extended star topology.
- AS the nodes are connected to a central hub and if the central hub goes down it will lead to whole network failure which can create a problem. AS the central hub controls the whole network the central node can become a key reason for network failure.
- If the number of connected nodes increases it will decrease the performance of a central hub and will create congestion in a network.
Importance of Extended Star Topology
This can be important as it can control multiple nodes at the same time and can maintain information transmission easier in the network. Some of the advantages are as discussed below:
- The performance results are better for the extended star topology compares to other topologies like bus topology. It is because there is no unnecessary transmission of a message in the network. The message is transferred only between the source node, a central hub, and the destination node.
- The new devices can be easily added to the network and can connect to the central hub. Similarly, the nodes can be easily removed from the network.
- The network maintenance and monitoring can be done properly.
Conclusion
It is the extended version of the star topology. This topology helps to control multiple nodes at the same time. The data can be easily transmitted across the network and there is less chance of network failure compared to other topologies. The central hub controls the whole network in the extended star topology.
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to Extended Star Topology. Here we discuss the basic concept and uses of Extended Star Topology along with importance in detail. You may also look at the following articles to learn more –
