Difference Between Bus and Star Topology

The differences between bus and star topologies revolve around the setup you use in the network. Bus topology is a type of network topology. In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single cable. In star topology, different devices directly connect to the central device. These differences have implications for the network’s reliability, cost, and performance.

Bus Topology

Bus topology uses one main cable to connect all network devices. Think of it like a long hallway with doors to different rooms. The main cable is the hallway, and each device connects through a door.

All devices connect directly to the main cable using connectors called taps or T-connectors. The cable ends have special plugs called terminators. These terminators prevent signal bouncing.

Star Topology

Star topology connects all devices to a central hub or switch. Picture a wheel with spokes the hub is the center, and each device connects via its cable (the spokes).

Each device has its dedicated connection to the central hub. No devices connect directly to each other. The hub manages all network traffic and connections.

Bus Topology Vs Star Topology

The following table highlights the key differences between Bus and Star Topology:

Feature	Bus Topology	Star Topology
Connection Method	Single backbone cable	Central hub
Data Transmission	Broadcasts to all devices	Point-to-point via hub
Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher due to hub and cables
Fault Tolerance	Entire network fails if main cable breaks	Only affected device fails if cable breaks
Scalability	Limited by cable length	Easy to add new devices
Data Collision	More common	Less common
Maintenance	Hard to troubleshoot	Easy to find problems

Use Cases

Use cases of both bus and star topology:

Bus Topology Best For

• Small networks with few devices
• Simple network setups
• Limited budget installations
• Temporary networks
• Linear physical layouts

Star Topology Best For

• Large networks
• Office buildings
• Networks needing high reliability
• Easy maintenance requirements
• Future expansion plans