Which of the following best describes a star topology network?

• A. All devices are connected in a circular manner.
• B. All devices connect directly without a central device.
• C. All devices are connected to a central device, such as a network switch.
• D. All devices are connected to each other directly.

Answer: (C)

A star topology network is characterized by the configuration in which all devices are connected to a central device, such as a network switch or hub. This central device serves as a point of communication between the connected devices, allowing for efficient data transfer and centralized management of the network.

In this arrangement, when one device wants to communicate with another, it sends the data to the central device, which then directs the data to the appropriate destination. This setup facilitates easier troubleshooting, as issues can often be isolated to specific devices without affecting the entire network. Furthermore, if one connection fails, it does not impact the whole network, allowing the other devices to continue functioning normally.

The other options describe different network topologies. For example, a circular arrangement would indicate a ring topology, where devices are connected in a loop, and each device has exactly two neighbors. A direct connection without a central device points to a peer-to-peer or mesh topology, which has its own unique characteristics. Thus, the definition that aligns with the characteristics of a star topology is the one that describes devices connecting to a central device.