What is the primary advantage of using a star topology?

The primary advantage of using a star topology is ease of troubleshooting. In a star topology, each device or node is connected individually to a central hub or switch. This design means that if one connection fails, it does not affect the rest of the network. Since each node operates independently, isolating and diagnosing problems becomes straightforward; technicians can quickly identify which node has issues without having to investigate the entire network. This distinct separation of nodes enhances the speed and efficiency of troubleshooting, making it a significant advantage of the star topology.

While factors like simplified cable management or linear scalability are potential benefits of certain network topologies, they do not specifically address the ease of pinpointing and resolving issues, which is a core strength of the star configuration. Redundant connections can be implemented in various topologies but are not inherently a feature of star topology and might complicate rather than simplify troubleshooting.