TREE TOPOLOGY: CHARACTERISTICS, ADVANTAGES, DISADVANTAGES - TECHNOLOGY - 2025

The tree topology is the combination of the bus topology and the star topology. This combination allows users to have multiple servers on the network. Connect multiple star topologies to another star topology network. It is also known as an expanded star topology or hierarchical topology.

A network topology is a systematic design of the devices on a network. The tree topology has a central node to which all other devices connect to build a hierarchy, which must have at least three levels.

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The tree topology follows a hierarchical model; for this reason every level is connected to the next higher level under a symmetrical scheme.

This topology is best applied when the network is large. It is not recommended for a small network, because more cables would have to be used than with other topologies, generating a lot of waste.

The tree topology is the best because all the computers receive the signals transmitted by the central device at the same time.

characteristics

Two types of topology

The tree topology is a combination of two topologies: the bus topology and the star topology. It is built by connecting multiple star topologies through a trunk cable. This topology is very useful to be able to carry out an expansion of the network.

In the tree network a number of star networks are connected by a bus network. This main wire looks like the main path of a tree and the other star networks serve as the branches.

In a bus topology the different nodes are connected to a main cable, while in a star topology a central hub serves to connect all devices.

Point-to-point connection

In the tree topology, each computer has a direct connection to a hub and also each part of the network is connected to a backbone.

In this type of network, point-to-point cabling is carried out for each individual segment and therefore can support multiple software and hardware vendors. However, if the central backbone fails, the entire network goes down.

Each device at a hierarchical level has point-to-point links to each adjacent node at its lower level.

All second-level nodes have point-to-point connections to third-level nodes in their hierarchy, and the primary device has a point-to-point connection to each second-level node. When viewing a diagram of this topology, this configuration appears similar to the structure of a tree.

Hierarchical relationship

It is a network topology that has at least three levels of hierarchy that work in conjunction with the primary network, because in the star topology two levels of hierarchy are already shown.

Two or more devices can be connected to a hub. These two devices are called children of the main node. The topology is called a tree because its shape looks like a tree with different device branches.

The parent-child relationship in the tree topology helps to find and distribute a large amount of information on the network. Secondary devices are also called web sheets.

Tree topology uses

- It is mainly used in a network that covers a wide area. Ideal if the workstations are grouped in different areas.

- Communication between two networks to generate a larger network.

- A network structure that requires a root device, intermediate primary devices, and leaf nodes, as seen in a tree.

- To share information over a larger network.

- Allows users to have multiple servers on the network.

Advantage

- Tree topology reduces network traffic.

- It is compatible with many hardware and software vendors.

- Devices in the other hierarchies of the network are not harmed if any of the devices in one of the branches of the network is damaged.

Highly flexible

In the tree topology, computers can be added simply by adding a new hub in a network topology. Therefore, node expansion is possible and easy.

This means that it provides great scalability, because the last-level devices can accommodate more devices in the hierarchical chain.

This is why it is easy to add a computer, simply by extending the cable that is being used to connect it.

Centralized monitoring

This topology makes it easy for users to control and manage a fairly large network, and the tree topology is easy to reconfigure.

Easy error detection

Finding network faults is easy, and your network administrator can correct the error instantly. If any primary device has a problem, the secondary node stops accessing the data.

The tree network can be easily extended as child nodes can become parents of future nodes.

Computer access

Because the tree topology is for a large network, all computers will have better access to any device on the network.

Disadvantages

- An enormous amount of cabling is required compared to the star and bus topology.

- It is expensive.

- Each time more nodes are added, maintenance becomes more difficult. Therefore, a lot of maintenance is needed

Single point of failure

If the backbone of the entire network is broken, both parts of the network will not be able to communicate with each other, although one part will be able to continue communicating.

On the other hand, if the central hub of the network fails, the entire network will fail. In the same way, if the central cable has a problem, the whole network stops working.

This is the reason why tree topology administrators often have a mandate to "protect the tree", giving special attention or safeguard to the hub and central cable.

Difficult to configure

The tree topology is difficult to configure. This is because it is a topology for large networks. Also, it is difficult to wire the network. Many cables are required and maintenance is difficult to handle.

References

1. UK Essays (2019). Tree Topology: Advantages and Disadvantages. Taken from: ukessays.com.
2. Studytonight (2019). Types of Network Topology. Taken from: studytonight.com.
3. Junaid Rehman (2019). What is tree topology with example. IT Release. Taken from: itrelease.com.
4. Amar Shekhar (2016). What Is Tree Topology? Advantages and Disadvantages of Tree Topology. Foss Bytes. Taken from: fossbytes.com.
5. Computer Network Topology (2019). Advantages & Disadvantages of Tree Topology. Taken from: computernetworktopology.com.