...to configure and wire than other topologies.
http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/topologies.asp
Mesh Topology
Devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network . In a true mesh topology every node has a connection to every other node in the network.
Star Topology
All devices are connected to a central . Nodes communicate across the network by passing data through the hub.
Bus Topology
All devices are connected to a central cable, called the or .
Ring Topology
All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so that each device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it.
Tree Topology
A hybrid topology. Groups of star-configured networks are connected to a linear bus backbone.
http://www.networkmagazine.com/article/NMG20000727S0011
CASCADED STARS
The use of a modular multiport repeater (also known as a hub or concentrator) with Ethernet allows creating large networks made of what can be called cascaded stars. In this arrangement, one centralized multiport repeater serves as the focal point for many other multiport repeaters, in effect creating a series of star-based Ethernets
Using modular multiport repeaters also permits mixing star- and bus-based Ether...