Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) GCSE Computer Science Practice Exam

In a star topology, each device on the network is connected to a central hub or switch. This configuration allows for easy addition or removal of devices without disrupting the network. If one connection fails, it does not impact the rest of the network, which enhances reliability. The central hub manages network traffic, directing data packets from one device to another, making it a common choice for local area networks (LANs).

The other options reflect characteristics not associated with star topology. For instance, the idea of devices being connected in a closed loop pertains to ring topology, where each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular pathway. The statement regarding expensive wiring setup may apply to star topology due to the requirement for multiple cables running from the central hub to each device, but this is not a defining characteristic. Lastly, star topologies generally handle heavy loads better than other configurations, as the central hub can manage traffic more effectively, unlike in some other setups where performance may degrade with high usage.