What is the purpose of the ip address in a star topology?

Answer 1

In a star topology, the IP address serves the same fundamental purpose as it does in any network setup—it uniquely identifies each device (or node) on the network to enable data communication.

Here’s how it works in the context of a star topology:

🔹 Centralized communication: In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central device, usually a switch, hub, or router. The IP address allows the central device to route data to the correct destination.

🔹 Unique identification: Every device in the network must have a unique IP address so the central device knows where to send data packets.

🔹 Data routing: When a device sends data, it includes the destination IP address. The central node reads this and forwards the data to the appropriate recipient device.

🔹 Network management: IP addresses make it easier to manage devices on the network—whether it’s assigning permissions, monitoring traffic, or troubleshooting issues.

Answer 2

In a star topology, the IP address serves as a unique identifier for each device connected to the central hub or switch. This allows devices to communicate with each other and the network efficiently by routing data packets to the correct destination. The IP address ensures that data can be properly directed across the network, facilitating seamless communication and resource sharing among connected devices.