What type of network topology connects all devices to a central hub?

In a star topology, all devices in the network are connected to a central hub or switch. This central device acts as a point of communication, managing data traffic between the connected devices. Because each device has a direct point of connection to the hub, it allows for easier management and isolation of devices. If one connection fails, it does not impact the entire network, allowing for better fault tolerance compared to other topologies.

In contrast, the bus topology connects all devices along a single communication line (the bus), meaning that if the bus fails, the entire network goes down. The ring topology connects devices in a circular formation, where each device is connected to two others, which can complicate troubleshooting and maintenance. Mesh topology, while providing more redundancy due to multiple connections between devices, does not typically utilize a central hub but instead connects multiple devices to one another, increasing complexity and cost.

Thus, the characteristic of connecting all devices to a single central point is what specifically defines the star topology.