Which of the following is a characteristic of the star topology?

In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. The central hub acts as a focal point for data transmission, meaning that all data passes through this hub before reaching its destination. This design results in a single point of failure: if the hub fails, all devices connected to it lose their ability to communicate with one another.

This characteristic is significant because it highlights a potential vulnerability in the network's design. While the centralized nature of the hub simplifies management and troubleshooting, it also means that the entire network's functionality is dependent on the health of that central device. Enhancements such as redundant hubs or alternate pathways can mitigate this risk, but in a standard star topology, the single point of failure remains a key defining feature.