Star topology is a network architecture in which all devices in the network are connected to a central device known as a "hub" or "switch." In a star topology, each device (such as computers, printers, or other networked devices) has a dedicated connection to the central hub, forming a star-like structure.

Key characteristics of star topology include:

1. Centralized Hub: The central hub serves as a central point of connection for all devices in the network. It may be a physical device such as a hub, switch, or router, or it could be a logical point in a network infrastructure.

2. Point-to-Point Connections: Each device in the network has a dedicated point-to-point connection to the central hub. This means that communication between devices typically passes through the hub, which manages the flow of data traffic.

3. Isolation of Devices: In a star topology, each device is isolated from other devices in the network. This means that if one device fails or experiences issues, it does not affect the operation of other devices in the network. It also makes troubleshooting and maintenance easier, as each connection can be tested individually.

4. Scalability: Star topology is highly scalable, as new devices can be easily added to the network by connecting them to the central hub. This allows for flexible expansion of the network to accommodate growing numbers of devices or changing network requirements.

5. Reliability: Star topology offers better reliability compared to other network topologies such as bus or ring topologies. Since each device has its own dedicated connection to the central hub, network traffic is less likely to be affected by issues such as cable breaks or device failures.

6. Performance: Star topology can offer good performance, especially in networks with high-speed connections to the central hub. However, performance may degrade if the central hub becomes a bottleneck due to limitations in its processing power or bandwidth capacity.

Overall, star topology is a commonly used network architecture in both wired and wireless networks, offering advantages such as scalability, reliability, and ease of maintenance. It is widely used in LAN (Local Area Network) environments, home networks, and small to medium-sized business networks.