star topology

A network structure comprising a central node to which all other devices attached directly and through which all other devices intercommunicate. As illustrated in Figure S-9, the central node is in the form of a hub, switch, or router with multiple ports to which devices connect, usually through unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or shielded twisted pair (STP). In the public switched telephone network (PSTN), each carrier serving area (CSA) is a star, with local loops radiating from the central office (CO). Star configurations include 100Base-T and 1000Base-T local area networks (LANs). See also 100Base-T, 1000Base-T, CO, CSA, hub, node, PSTN, router, STP, switch, Token Ring, topology, and UTP.