Which category of fiber-optic cable design typically utilizes some variation of the star topology?

The category of fiber-optic cable design that typically utilizes some variation of the star topology is signal distribution. In a star topology, all nodes are connected to a central hub or switch. This central point is crucial for signal distribution, as it allows for efficient management and routing of data signals from one point to multiple destinations.

In signal distribution setups, the central hub functions to facilitate communication between various devices and locations by sending and receiving signals. This topology minimizes the risks associated with cable failures, as the failure of a single cable will only affect one node rather than the entire network, exemplifying the resilience and organization inherent in signal distribution.

Other categories, such as access distribution, local area networks (LANs), and data centers, may involve different network design principles where connections might not always conform to a strict star topology. These designs often prioritize different aspects such as scalability, redundancy, or data handling capacity, but signal distribution's reliance on a central hub aligns it most closely with the star topology approach.