What is a Hybrid Topology?

Introduction to Hybrid Topology

A hybrid topology is a kind of combination of principles of two or more different networking topologies. It involves a mixture of the tree topology, bus topology, ring topology, and mesh topology. The choice and usage of hybrid topology depend on its requirements and deployments such as the number of servers, location, and the performance of the desired network.

Types of Hybrid Topology

There are different kind of hybrid topologies which interconnects multiple basic topologies to form a new topology according to the requirements. They are Star wire Ring network topology, star wired bus topology, and hierarchical network topology. The mechanism of hybrid topology is dependent on its IP address similar to other basic network topologies. But there is a minor difference in functions of logic topology. The hybrid network has its unique type of configuration. The hybrid topology combines both logical and physical topology.

1. Star Topology

A set of star topology is associated with a ring topology as an adjacent topology. Linking every star topology to the ring topology with a wired connection. The data from a certain star topology reach a connecting node in the original ring topology. The data flow is a unidirectional or bidirectional method. The bidirectional flow of data ensures that the attack or failure in one node of the original ring topology doesn’t result in the entire shutdown of data flow in the original ring topology.

2. Bus Topology

A star-based bus topology is implemented by the interconnection of the central bus network. Linking every star topology to the bus topology in wired connections. The original bus topology gives a backbone structure that interconnects the separate star topologies. The backbone structure is in the form of a wired connection.

3. Hierarchical Network Topology

Hierarchical network topology is arranged at various levels in the form of a hierarchical tree. It is also called as network tree topology. The connection of the minimum level like two to a maximum level like one by wired connection. The maximum and top-level is referred to as the root or parent node. The next phase is level one comprises the child node that returns the child node as level three. So all the nodes in a required level give a maximum parent node except for the top-level nodes. The nodes at the minimum level are peripheral and they don’t act as a parent to other nodes. Such nodes are known as leaf nodes. Every level including the maximum level comprises multiple nodes.

Why Do We Use the Hybrid Topology?

There are various applications using hybrid topology because of effective cost. The mechanism of hybrid topology is efficient from other fundamental mechanism and it can also be deployed in multiple environments. So the adaptability and flexibility of the network offer the user to create, run and manage the organization. Some of the major applications of the hybrid topology are the financial and banking sector, automated industries, multi-national companies, research organizations, and many educational institutions. The combination of any two topologies such as a partial star, extended star, point to point networks and full mesh topology is done to develop a new hybrid topology.

The application and examples of hybrid topologies are widely spread. It is the people choose to deploy it in-home or office and it is declared as a smart option as it has a super-power set up and flexible option. It offers a compact to the small-scale industries and even to their subunits. So it is a good choice in the office or home which has multi-floor buildings and departments. There are plenty of benefits in the implementation of hybrid topology. So according to the requirements it is placed to give its maximum efficiency. But the combination of basic topology creates a complex network that impacts your budget.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of Hybrid Topology:

1. Hybrid topologies are connections of various networks which employ multiple techniques of associating points with other devices linked to servers such as personal computers and other hardware components. They also utilize several advantages such as signal strength, throughput, and data communication and also include high-end equipment.
2. The troubleshoot management is provided by hybrid networks which is easy to diagnose the concentration points or hub which relies nearby upon and relatively small size when compared to the network size. The concentration point is the source of the attack which is separated from the rest of the network and it is constant when the remainder of the network is made to run on its usual function. Here the end-users of the system are not aware of the occurred problem which is a significant advantage for gaming companies and large enterprise which functions and operates online with millions of users.
3. The hybrid network growth is simple in a modular fashion which enables linear integration of new hardware components like extra concentration points. It enables the network designers to update the network power and storage capability by wiring into a fresh hub into the system. The hybrid network is interconnected by a single cable which makes the integration method so simple by deploying a landline telephone.
4. The hybrid network is expensive to maintain and purchase. It is because the hubs have to handle certain types of networking at only one time and stay functional, even if the particular is removed from the entire system. It requires a substantial level of intelligent processing which cannot be attained by spending a huge amount.
5. The complexity in cabling is due to many backup rings and redundant wires where the connection point is small. But it should be maintained periodically to achieve reliable standards. Because any disturbance in the connection of cable leads to the entire collapse of the network. It is mandatory to install the additional cooling system as it involves many complex wires and networks to form a reliable output.
6. The merits of hybrid computing are reliable, scalable and flexible and it is used for many applications for its effective fault-tolerant performance.

Recommended Article

This is a guide to the Hybrid Topology. Here we discuss why we use hybrid topology and its Different Types along with advantages and disadvantages. You can also go through our suggested articles to learn more –

1. Understand the Concept of Network Topology
2. Why Do We Use Logical Topology?
3. What is Mesh Topology? | Advantages & Disadvantages
4. Introduction to Token Ring Topology