In short, a star topology means greater reliability. In some ways a star topology's advantages can also be considered disadvantages. For example, while limiting one device per run of networking media can make diagnosis of problems easier, it also increased the amount of networking media required. This will result in increased costs in setting up a star topology local area network. And, while the hub can make maintenance easier, because all data has to pass through this central point, if the hub fails, the entire network will fail.
Every outlet is independently and directly wired to the patch panel.
See hierarchical star topology. Attenuation - Loss of communication signal energy. Thus, the maximum distance for a run of horizontal cabling that extends from the hub to any work station is 100 meters. In a star topology because each of the horizontal cabling runs can radiate out from the hub much like the spokes of a wheel, this means a local area network using this type of topology could cover an 200 meter by 200 meter area. When signals first leave a transmitting station, they are clean and easily recognizable.