MIXED TOPOLOGY: CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES, ADVANTAGES, DISADVANTAGES - TECHNOLOGY - 2024

The mixed topology is a type of network topology that uses two or more different network topologies. This topology contains a combination of the bus topology, mesh topology, ring topology, and star topology.

The topology determines how a network will be built. It contains the design of the configuration of the links and nodes to be related to each other. This configuration is essential to stipulate how the network will perform.

Scheme of the mixed typology. Source: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 files

There are many ways to organize a network, each having its own advantages and disadvantages, so some will be more useful than others in certain situations.

There is a set of alternatives to evaluate when choosing a network topology. The topology taken, mixed or not, must consider the size of the installation and the money available.

In the mixed topology the network is divided into different segments. Each of them connects to the chosen backbone, maintaining its own topological configuration.

Characteristics of the mixed typology

Mixed topologies combine two or more different topologies to link the connection points to the other devices connected to the system, such as personal computers and printers. The tree topology is a good example, integrating the bus and star designs.

It is a scalable topology that can be easily expanded. It is reliable, but at the same time it is an expensive topology.

Mixed topologies exist mainly in high-ranking companies, where each department has its own network topology, tailored to its particular uses.

A mixed topology occurs only when two different network topologies are connected. They must be different because, for example, connecting two star topologies will form a star topology.

Types

This topology has the characteristics and limitations of the components that make it up. Two types of mixed topology are commonly used: the star-bus topology and the star-ring topology.

Star-Bus

In this mixed topology, several star networks are linked to a bus connection. When a star topology is hampered, a second star configuration can be added and these two star topologies connected using a bus connection.

If one computer fails, part of the network will not be affected. However, when the central component, called the hub, that connects all the computers in the star topology fails, all the computers connected to that component will fail and will no longer be able to communicate.

The tree network is an example of a mixed topology, where the star networks are interconnected via bus networks.

Star-Ring

This mixed topology consists of two or more ring networks connected by a centralized hub unit.

The computers are coupled to the hub like a star network. However, these devices are configured in the form of a token network.

If one computer fails, the rest of the network will not go down, as in the star-bus topology. With the use of a token pass, each computer has the same communication opportunity. This generates more traffic between the different sections of the network than with the other mixed topology.

Advantage

The mixed network topology has many advantages. These topologies are flexible, reliable, and have higher fault tolerance.

The main advantage of the mixed structure is the degree of flexibility it provides, as there are few limitations in the structure of a network as such that a mixed configuration cannot accommodate.

This type of network is capable of using the strongest aspects of other networks, such as signal strength.

Easy troubleshooting

Problems with mixed networks are relatively easy to diagnose and correct, because the connection points at the network hubs are close together, compared to the total size of the network.

The hub or connection point that caused the problem can easily be disconnected from the network and repaired, while the rest of the network is allowed to function normally.

System users may not even notice that a problem has occurred, which is a huge advantage for large businesses and companies that run online games for millions of users.

Easy network growth

It is scalable, as other computer networks with different topologies can be connected to existing networks.

You can choose the topology according to the requirement. For example, if scalability is required, then a star topology could be used instead of bus technology.

Mixed networks are built in a modular way, allowing easy integration of new hardware components, such as additional connection points.

This allows network designers to upgrade the power and storage capacity of the network simply by connecting a new hub to the system.

The connection points of a mixed network are connected by a single cable, which makes the integration process as simple as installing a landline phone.

Disadvantages

Each network topology has its own disadvantages. Therefore, as the complexity of the network grows, so will the requirement of experience and knowledge necessary on the part of the network administrators so that everything works excellently.

On the other hand, the installation is difficult and the design is complex, so maintenance is high and therefore expensive.

Similarly, when implementing a mixed network topology, the monetary cost must be considered, including the requirement for high-end equipment.

Expensive network administration

The network hubs required for the mixed topology network are expensive to buy and maintain. This is because hubs must manage multiple types of networks at the same time and remain functional, even when a network is removed from the system.

This requires a level of smart processing, which cannot be achieved without spending a substantial amount of money.

A lot of wiring

While the amount of cabling required to connect the smart network connection points is small, it is also the most important part of the system.

Because of this, redundancy in cabling and backup rings is often needed to ensure network reliability standards, because any fraying in the cable connection could cause the entire network to collapse.

This can lead to a lot of wiring, requiring additional items for system cooling.

References

1. DNS Stuff (2019). What Is Network Topology? Best Guide to Types and Diagrams. Taken from: dnsstuff.com.
2. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2019). Network topology. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.
3. Jonathan Lister (2019). Hybrid Topology Advantages & Disadvantages. Techwalla. Taken from: techwalla.com.
4. Chaitanya Singh (2019). Computer Network Topology - Mesh, Star, Bus, Ring and Hybrid. Beginners Book. Taken from: beginnersbook.com.
5. Snom (2019). Hybrid Topologies. Taken from: service.snom.com.