A star topology features a central node to which all other peripheral nodes connect. This design is exceptionally well-suited for access networks. The primary function of an access network is to aggregate traffic from a large number of end-users or subscribers (the "spokes") and concentrate it at a central point (the "hub"), such as a DSLAM, an OLT in a PON, or a mobile base station controller. This traffic is then forwarded to the core network. The centralized management and traffic flow pattern of a star topology directly align with the aggregation requirements of access networks.

B. ASON/GMPLS networks are primarily deployed in mesh topologies to leverage path diversity for dynamic restoration and protection, which a star topology inherently lacks.

C. Backbone networks demand high resiliency and redundancy. They are built using mesh topologies to provide multiple alternative paths, avoiding the single point of failure of a star's central node.

D. SNCP (Sub-Network Connection Protection) requires physically diverse working and protection paths, a feature characteristic of ring or mesh topologies, not a simple star configuration.

1. Official Vendor Documentation: Nokia. (2022). Nokia IP Networks and Services Fundamentals, Course Number 4A0-205, Student Guide. Chapter 2: "Network Fundamentals", Section: "Physical Network Topologies". The guide explains that the star topology is a classic "hub-and-spoke" model, identifying its primary application in access network aggregation where endpoints connect to a central service aggregation point.

2. Academic Publication: P. Goransson, C. Black, T. Culver. (2016). Software Defined Networks: A Comprehensive Approach (2nd ed.). Morgan Kaufmann. Chapter 2, "The Modern Data Center", pp. 35-37. The text describes network topologies, noting that while core networks are meshed for resilience, edge/access networks often use a star or tree (extended star) topology to connect end hosts to a central aggregation switch.

3. University Courseware: MIT OpenCourseWare. (2014). 6.829 Computer Networks, Fall 2002. Lecture 15: "SONET/Optical Networks". The lecture notes discuss network topologies for protection, highlighting that ring and mesh architectures are used for protection schemes like SNCP and BLSR, while star topologies are noted for their lack of inherent redundancy, making them unsuitable for such protection use cases.