Tree Topology | Advantages & Disadvantages of Tree Topology

In Tree Topology, all the computer are connected like the branches of a tree. In Computer Networking, tree topology is known as a combination of a Bus and Start network topology. The main advantages of this topology are better flexibility and scalability.

Tree network topology is the simplest topology in which only one route exists between any two nodes on the network. The pattern of connection resembles a tree in which all branches spring from one root hence (Tree Topology).

Construction of Tree Topology

Tree Topology integrates the characteristics of Star and Bus topology. In our previous article, we saw how in Star Topology, computers are connected by each other through the central hub. And we also saw in Bus Topology, Computers are connected by the common cable called Bus. After understanding these two network configurations, we can easily understand the working and construction of tree topology.

In Tree Network, the number of Star networks are connected using Bus. This main cable seems like the main route of a tree, and other star networks as the branches. It is also called Expanded Star Topology. The diagram below will illustrate that.

Characteristics of Tree Topology

• Ideal if nodes are located in groups.
• Used in Wide Area Network.
• Better Flexibility
• Better Scalability

Advantages of Tree Topology

1. It is a combination of bus and star topology
2. It provides high scalability, as leaf nodes can add more nodes in the hierarchical chain.
3. Other nodes in a network are not affected, if one of their nodes get damaged
4. It provides easy maintenance and fault identification.
5. Supported by several hardware and software vendors.
6. Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology

1. Large cabling is required as compared to star and bus topology.
2. On the failure of a hub, the entire network fails.
3. Tree network is very difficult to configure than other network topologies.

Ethernet protocol uses the tree network topology.

Conclusion

Tree topology is a combination of star and bus topology. This topology is mostly used on larger networks. The tree network has some advantages such as it is highly flexible, scalable and it provides easy fault detection in a network that is why network management is very easy. And the disadvantages of this topology is that it is difficult to configure, there is a single point of failure if the hub device fails the entire network will shut down. Tree network is used, to share information across the network and allow users to have many servers on the network. It is the best topology because the signals that are transmitted by the root nodes are received by all the computers at the same time.

Also Read:

1. What is Point to Point Topology? Advantages and Disadvantages
2. What is Bus Topology? Advantages & Disadvantages 
3. What is Mesh Topology? Advantages & Disadvantages
4. What is Ring Topology? Advantages & Disadvantages
5. What is Star Topology? Advantages & Disadvantages
6. What is Hybrid Topology? Advantages & Disadvantages
7. What is LAN Network? Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN
8. What is WAN Network? Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN
9. What is MAN Network? Advantages and Disadvantages of MAN
10. Network Operating System- Advantages and Disadvantages of NOS