Which network topology connects a central node to every device on the network, acting as a multiport repeater?

The star topology is characterized by its design in which all devices in the network are connected to a central node or hub. This central node acts as a multiport repeater, managing and facilitating communication between the connected devices. In this setup, any data sent from one device passes through the central hub before reaching its destination, which simplifies troubleshooting and enhances the integrity of the network.

One key advantage of the star topology is that if one connection fails, it does not impact the overall network, allowing the other devices to continue communicating without disruption. This is particularly beneficial in maintaining network reliability and performance. The reliance on a central node also allows for easier scalability, as new devices can be added with minimal reconfiguration of the network.

In contrast, the other topology options lack the advantages of the star configuration. For instance, a mesh topology provides multiple redundant pathways between devices, but is more complex and costly to implement. A bus topology features a single central cable to which all devices are connected, making it vulnerable to outages if that cable fails. Ring topology interconnects devices in a circular format, which can lead to complete network failure if one device or connection in the ring goes down. Thus, the central node functionality and simplicity of the star topology make it a