An Ethernet LAN that uses UTP cabling and a hub is referred to as what type of topology?

In this scenario, an Ethernet LAN that employs UTP cabling and utilizes a hub is categorized as a star topology. This topology is characterized by the central hub serving as the focal point to which all nodes are connected directly. Each device on the network links separately to the hub, allowing for organized and efficient communication.

In a star topology, if one connection fails, it does not affect the other connections, which contributes to the robustness of the network. This structure simplifies troubleshooting since each device can be individually identified without disrupting the entire network. Additionally, expanding the network is straightforward; adding new devices involves simply connecting to the hub without the need to disrupt existing connections.

Other topologies, such as bus, mesh, and ring, have their own distinct characteristics. A bus topology connects all devices to a single central cable (the bus), which can lead to network issues if that cable fails. A mesh topology involves multiple connections between devices, which can provide redundancy but also increases complexity and cost. A ring topology connects each device in a circular configuration, meaning if one device fails, it can disrupt the entire network. Each of these topologies presents different benefits and drawbacks, but for a network using a hub with UTP cabling, the star topology is