Hybrid Topology | Tree Topology | Hierarchical Topology | Star-bus Topology | Star-ring topology

     Introduction of Topology

Physical or Logical layout of structure called topology, in which all nodes are connected. Network topology is the arrangement of the elements of a communication network. The physical topology of LAN refers to the way in which the stations are physically interconnected. Each topology has its own strengths and weakness.

Feature of network topology: 1. The topology should be flexible. You can increase or decrease number of nodes in topology. 2. The cost of physical media and installation should be minimum. 3. The network should not have any single point of complete failures.

Types of Topologies

There are 5 types of topologies in computer network:

Hybrid Topology (Tree Topology)

A hybrid topology is a combination of two or more topologies. Its usage and choice are dependent on its deployments and requirements like the performance of the desired network, and the number of computers, their location. 

Hybrid topology is much efficient; it can be deployed in different environment. So, user can take more benefit to create, run and manage the organization network. There are many sectors where hybrid topology is used, like as educational institutions, banking sectors, research organization, automated industries. Also, it is good to use in small scale industries, multi-floor buildings such as offices or home. This topology is placed to give its maximum efficiency on the basis of the requirements as it provides many benefits.

There are various types of hybrid topology, we discussed as below:

Star-Bus Hybrid Topology

The Star topology is combined with the linear bus topology in large network. In such cases the linear bus provides a backbone that connects multiple star topologies. So, it is also called tree topology. Realtime example of star-bus topology is TV-Channel Network.

Figure: Star-Bus Topology

The bus topology allows two or more-star topologies to be linked to each other through wire connection. The original bus topology interrelates the distinct star topologies as it offers a backbone structure. That means it provides a wired connection. Each tree topology is hybrid topology, but each hybrid topology is not tree topology.

Figure :Tree Topology Animation

Star-Ring Hybrid Topology

The star-ring is combination of ring and star topologies. The central hub of each star topologies connected in ring manners. So, it is called Star-Ring Topology. Star ring topology is called hybrid topology, but it is not tree topology.

Figure: Star - Ring Topology

Hierarchical Network Topology

The structure of hierarchical network topology, also known as a network tree topology, is designed like a hierarchical tree. In this topology, there is one root node or parent node. Remaining nodes are called as leaf node or child node. Root node is top level node. Thus, except for the top-level nodes, every node provides a maximum parent node as they are at a required level.

Figure: Hierarchical Topology

Advantages

Expansion of Network is possible and easy.

Error detection and correction is easy.

If one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected.

Provides flexibility in network.

Disadvantages

Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.

More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

To learn more about Hybrid/Tree Topology, Click here

Watch more videos click here.