What type of network topology connects all devices to a central hub?

A star topology is characterized by its configuration where all devices connect to a central hub or switch. This central hub acts as a traffic controller, managing data flows between devices in the network. One significant advantage of a star topology is its ease of troubleshooting; if one device fails, it does not affect the others since each device has a direct connection to the hub. Additionally, adding or removing devices is straightforward, as it only involves connecting or disconnecting from the central hub without disrupting the entire network.

In contrast, a mesh topology requires multiple interconnections between devices, providing redundancy and potentially enhancing reliability but at a higher complexity and cost. A ring topology connects devices in a circular manner, where each device is connected to two others, and data travels in one direction around the ring. Lastly, a bus topology connects all devices to a single communication line, which can lead to network collisions and difficulties in troubleshooting if the main bus fails. Each of these alternatives presents different strengths and weaknesses, making the star topology particularly popular for its combination of simplicity and robustness.