Which local area network topology is characterized by a central connection point?

The topology characterized by a central connection point is the star topology. In a star network, all devices connect to a central hub or switch, which facilitates communication between them. This structure allows for easy management and organization of the network, as all the cables from connected devices radiate outward from a central point.

If a single connection fails in a star topology, it will only affect the specific device connected to that segment, leaving the rest of the network operational. This makes troubleshooting easier, as you can identify and isolate problems without affecting the entire network.

The other options represent different network architectures with unique behaviors and benefits, but they do not utilize a central connection point the way a star topology does. For instance, a bus topology has all devices connected in a linear manner along a single cable, and a ring topology connects each device in a circular fashion where each node is connected to two other nodes. A mesh topology features devices interconnected with multiple paths, which provides redundancy but lacks a single central point of connection.