TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

Which device helps to manage traffic in a star topology?

1. Switch

2. Router

3. Hub

4. Modem

The correct answer is: Switch

The device that helps to manage traffic in a star topology is a switch. In a star topology, all devices connect to a central point, typically the switch, which acts as a manager for the data traffic. The switch intelligently directs data packets between devices on the network. It keeps track of the MAC addresses of devices and forwards data to the appropriate device based on its address. This helps to reduce collisions and overall network congestion, allowing for more efficient communication. In contrast, while a hub also connects devices in a star topology, it operates as a basic conduit that broadcasts data to all devices regardless of the intended recipient, leading to a higher chance of data collisions and network slowdowns. Routers and modems serve different purposes, primarily in connecting different networks (routers) and providing internet access (modems), rather than managing internal network traffic directly within a star topology.