The logical design of a star network comprises a number of point to point connections
which communicate via a central processing unit. Short haul modems are used to extend
the distance between the units and to provide galvanic isolation.
Different interfaces and cable types (e.g. 4-wire and fibre optic cables) can be combined
in an asynchronous star network. Since each unit communicates with the central
processing unit via a separate line, all other communication is not interrupted in the event
of a single cable failure. Westermoís star network, which is a polling network, requires intelligent units which recognise their own addresses.