The hub is the central device in a star topology. In the star topology, each computer in the network is connected to a hub using twisted pair cable, forming an organisation that resembles a star. As we discussed in the Network hubs section, when information is sent from a computer to the network, the information is copied at the hub and then sent out to all the other computers in the network.
The organisation of the ring topology looks similar to that of the star topology, but the manner in which information passes among computers on the network is different. In the ring topology, each computer is attached to a hub-like device called a multistation access unit (MAU), which is usually stored in a central closet area like a hub. When information is passed from a computer to the network, the information isn't passed to the MAU and copied to other computers on the network, as it is with the star topology. Instead, the information is simply passed from computer to computer, one at a time, across the entire network, until the information arrives at the desired location. Additional equipment must be connected to the cable (which can be either twisted pair or fiber-optic) to transmit and receive information in this manner.
Which topology is best for a network running Accounting Plus?
In most cases, we expect that the star topology will be best suited for a small business that's running Accounting Plus on a simple Ethernet network. Its combination of low cost, simple setup and flexibility for change and growth make it a logical choice.