Final answer:
The advantages of star topology include ease of troubleshooting, scalability due to the uncomplicated addition of new nodes without network disruption, and increased reliability because one workstation's failure typically does not affect other network stations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Star topology is a network configuration where each node (like a computer or a printer) is separately connected to a central hub or switch. This allows for several advantages:
- A. It is easy to troubleshoot problems. Since each node is independently connected to the hub, identifying and rectifying a problematic node or connection is often simpler than in other topologies.
- D. Nodes can be added without disrupting the network. The central nature of the hub allows for additional nodes to be connected without affecting the existing network's operations, making the star topology scalable and adaptable.
- E. The malfunction of one workstation doesn't crash the network. Because of the independent connections, the failure of one node typically doesn't affect the rest of the network, increasing overall reliability.
Note that option B is incorrect because, in a star topology, nodes are not directly connected to all other nodes; rather, they are connected through a central hub. Option C is subjective and would depend on the specific costs associated with the bus technology and tools required for each.