What is a 'Star Network' characterized by?

A 'Star Network' is characterized by a central switching point, which serves as the hub for all the network connections. In this structure, all nodes (such as computers or devices) are individually connected to this central point. This design allows for easy addition or removal of nodes without impacting the rest of the network. The central hub manages data traffic between the nodes, ensuring efficient communication and simplifying network management. If one node fails, it does not disrupt the entire network, making it a robust and commonly used configuration in various applications.

The other configurations mentioned do not accurately define a Star Network. For example, a linear layout of nodes would describe a bus network, where all devices are connected in a straight line. Connecting each node to every other node characterizes a mesh network, which involves much more complexity and redundancy. Lastly, a closed-loop structure is indicative of a ring network, where each node is connected to two other nodes forming a closed path.