Final answer:
The advantage of the star topology is its ability to easily troubleshoot and isolate network issues since each device is connected to a central node, simplifying problem identification and resolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant advantage of the star topology in networking, especially from a troubleshooting and maintenance perspective, is the ability to easily troubleshoot and isolate network issues. Each device in a star topology is connected to a central hub, switch, or router. When a problem occurs, it is easier to identify and address because it usually affects only the single path between the affected device and the central node. This means that one device's failure does not necessarily affect the rest of the network, and the problem can often be resolved without taking the whole network offline.
In contrast, in a bus or ring topology, a single malfunction can disrupt the entire network. While star topologies may not inherently require less maintenance or provide higher performance based on topology alone, the structure does generally allow for easier scalability as the addition of new devices involves simply connecting them to the central hub without disrupting the rest of the network configuration.