|  | 5.6 | Basic Topologies Used in Networking
| 5.6.5 | Star network topology
Mathematical Perspective A star topology has a central node with all links to other nodes radiating from it and allows no other links. Physical Perspective A star topology has a central node with all links radiating from it. Its primary advantage is that it allows all other nodes to communicate with each other, conveniently. Its primary disadvantage is that if the central node fails, the whole network becomes disconnected. Depending on the type of networking device used at the center of the star network, collisions can be a problem. Logical Perspective The flow of all information would go through one device. This might be desirable for security or restricted access reasons, but it would be very susceptible to any problems in the star's central node.