In a physical star topology, security can be managed more effectively because all data traffic passes through a central device, such as a switch. This centralisation allows network administrators to implement and monitor security controls from one point. Features such as port-based access control, MAC address filtering, and VLAN segmentation can be easily applied to manage who can connect and what resources they can access. Since each device has its own dedicated connection, there is no shared communication channel, reducing the risk of data being intercepted by unauthorised devices within the network. Additionally, switches do not broadcast data to all devices as hubs do, which further limits the chances of packet sniffing or eavesdropping. However, the central device itself becomes a critical security point—if it is compromised, the attacker gains potential access to all network communications. Therefore, securing the switch or hub through firmware updates, strong administrator credentials, and physical access restrictions is essential.

Switches are preferred over hubs in physical star topologies because they offer intelligent data handling and significantly improve network efficiency. A hub is a basic device that simply broadcasts all incoming data to every device connected to it, regardless of the intended recipient. This creates unnecessary network traffic, increases the risk of data collisions, and results in wasted bandwidth, especially in networks with multiple active devices. In contrast, a switch inspects the data packets it receives, identifies the destination device using the MAC address, and forwards the data only to that specific device. This selective communication reduces collisions, allows for full-duplex transmission (sending and receiving data simultaneously), and supports higher overall data throughput. Switches also maintain a MAC address table to track which devices are connected to which ports, enhancing speed and accuracy. These capabilities make switches more suitable for busy or expanding networks where performance, reliability, and scalability are essential.

Technically, no—a physical star topology requires wired point-to-point connections from each device to a central node, typically using Ethernet cables. Wireless networking does not use physical cabling, so it doesn’t form a physical topology in the same sense. However, in terms of layout, a wireless access point (WAP) can act like a central node to which all wireless devices connect, forming a similar structure to a star. This would be referred to as a logical star rather than a physical star. In such a wireless arrangement, devices still communicate through a central device (the WAP or wireless router), but there are no physical cables linking them. While this mimics the function of a physical star, it lacks the physical cabling that defines the topology. Therefore, when discussing physical star topology strictly in networking terms, only wired configurations with centralised hubs or switches and individual cables to each node are valid.

Using a physical star topology in a large campus or multi-storey building presents several limitations, primarily related to distance, cost, and infrastructure complexity. One major issue is cable length limitations. Ethernet cables, such as Cat5e or Cat6, typically support maximum distances of 100 metres per run. In large premises, this means that devices located far from the central switch may exceed this limit, requiring additional switches or signal boosters, which complicates the network design. Another limitation is the cost of cabling and installation—each device needs an individual cable routed to a central location, which significantly increases the amount of cabling required and the labour involved. Furthermore, the need for space to house switches, patch panels, and structured cabling enclosures becomes more pressing. Network cabinets, power sources, and environmental controls must be provided in multiple locations. For this reason, large networks often adopt a hierarchical star model, where multiple star topologies are connected to a core switch.

Fault detection and maintenance in a physical star topology is generally more straightforward than in ring or bus topologies because of its point-to-point connection model. In a star network, if a device or its cable fails, only that individual connection is affected. The rest of the network continues to function normally. This makes it easy to isolate the fault to a specific device or cable. Tools like link lights on switches, network testing tools, or basic unplugging and reconnecting methods are often sufficient to identify the issue. In contrast, in a bus topology, a cable fault can bring down the entire network, and it may be difficult to locate the exact break in the shared medium. Similarly, in a ring topology, a single fault can prevent data from circulating properly, unless the network supports dual rings or automatic rerouting. Star topology's clear structure means fewer diagnostic steps and quicker resolution, reducing downtime and support costs.