Topology tells how the devices are connected with each other. This means topology tells the arrangement of the devices. We have Mesh Star, Bus, Ring, and Hybrid topology. We will see today what is a hybrid topology. its advantages, and disadvantages.
What is Topology?
The layout or structure of the network is called topology. How the nodes establish the communication and how the nodes of the network are connected with each other. This is defined by the topology and it can be logical or physical. Physical topology means the placement of the components of the network. It includes the layout of the cable or the location of the devices. A logical topology means the flow of data from one computer to another computer. The process of connecting data flow and computers in them is called topology.
What is Hybrid Topology?
What do you understand by the term Hybrid? Hybrid means anything which is made from 2 or more things is called Hybrid. The Hybrid topology uses 2 or more 2 networks. Hybrid topology works on long-distance. It includes educational campuses, hostels, multi-national companies, Hotels, and Banking sectors. It is also used in Automation organizations, Research Organizations, and hospitals. We can say Hybrid topology is WAN (Wide Area Network). It sends traffic over 2 or more different networks.
A hybrid network depends on switches, hubs, and special hybrid routers. It connects both wireless and wired computers and other network-enabled devices. Hybrid topology is effective and it can also be used in different environments. It is becoming a smart option in every sector, it has a flexible and super-power setup option. It is suitable to use in homes, offices, and multi-floor buildings. Now you must have understood what is a hybrid topology.
A hybrid network is built on the basis of the requirement of the business. It offers fabulous optimization with possible resources like a printer, plotter, etc.
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Types of Hybrid Topology.
There are different types of Hybrid topology like Star wire ring network topology, hierarchical topology, and star wired bus topology. Hybrid topology has its unique configurations and its mechanism is also reliant on its IP address. Here I am going to give you a small brief about all these 3 different types of hybrid topology.
1-Hierarchical network topology.
The formation of hierarchical network topology is also called a network tree topology. The hierarchical network configuration model works to help you to build a network topology in different layers. Every layer concentrate on particular functions, allowing you to take the right features and equipment for the layer. Hierarchical network topology gives fast and logical efficiency patterns for enterprise network topologies. While diminishing the cost of connecting multiple devices at network endpoints.
2-Star-Ring hybrid topology.
The Ring and star topology is used to create the formation of a star topology. In the original ring topology, the information transfers a join node in this type of star topology. With the help of a wired connection, 2 or more-star topologies are linked through a ring topology. The plan of data movement is bidirectional or unidirectional. If one node of the original ring topology gets crashes. Then the bidirectional process of data flow gives the surety that there is no impact on the whole network.
3-Star-Bus hybrid topology.
A star-based bus topology is created by merging two kinds of topologies that are bus topology and star topology. It gives a wired connection and it also offers a backbone structure. Through wire connection, The bus topology provides 2 or more star topologies to be combined with each other.
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Hybrid topology advantages and disadvantages.
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, let’s have a look at the pros and cons of hybrid topology. First, let’s see what are the advantages of Hybrid topology.
Advantages.
Flexible: Hybrid topology has flexibility and it is more reliable. Hybrid topology can be performed for many different network contexts. The hybrid network can be built by maximizing the possible resources. This type of topology consolidates the benefits of various types of topologies into one topology. You can downgrade and upgrade anytime as per the client’s need without disrupting its other functionality.
Reliable: The advantage of hybrid topology is, it is more reliable because it has better error tolerance. It is possible to single out the impaired node from the rest of the network if one node gets damaged between the network. The good thing is that the required steps can be taken without affecting the processing of the network. Due to subnetworks, it is more reliable and it grasps functionalities of all network topologies.
Scalable: Without disrupting the present structure, it is very simple to extend the network dimension with newest addition of new elements. It is very easy to transform as per requirement. It is quickly scalable as this kind of network is constructed in a fashion that allows easy integration of new hardware elements. Without getting any faults in its design layout, It’s easy to be scaled up by attaching additional components and new networks.
Effective: The high tolerance ability is granted by star topology and good data authenticity is given by ring topology. Hence, in hybrid star-ring topology, these two functions work pretty well. It is used to form a large network and handles a large volume of traffic. Troubleshooting and error detection and is smooth in this topology. Data transferability is easy in different kinds of networks. Even sometimes the users don’t realize if the network got any glitches.
Disadvantages.
Expensive: While compared with other topologies, maintaining and purchasing the hybrid topology is much more costly. The hubs that are used to connect different networks are too expensive. It requires a lot of cables, cooling equipment, advanced network devices, and more. Architectures used in such topology are usually larger in scale. In order to bypass faulty devices, it needs a multi-station access unit.
Complexity: It is difficult to create this type of architecture for designers. The different topologies are linked in this topology hence it is hard to manage such topology. The installation process is also difficult for this kind of topology.