Tree Topology Advantages and Disadvantages

To understand the advantages and disadvantages, first we have to know about the what is Tree Topology? So, let's begin with introduction.

What is Tree Topology?

Bus-star topology is also known as tree topology. In tree topology, it incorporates the elements of both a bus topology as well as a star topology. Tree topology is not a commonly used network, but when a combined hierarchical or scalability setup is required between two networks, this topology comes into work. Since it appears like a tree, the structure of a tree topology is quite different from others.

The central node of this topology acts as a strength for the network used, and it has some nodes extending outwards, just like branches of a tree. In tree topology, Only the root is seen in between any two nodes on the network. The connection pattern looks like a tree whose branches spread from only one route.

Tree topology is a hybrid of bus topology and star topology. In a bus topology, all the other nodes are connected by a central node known as the bus.

Each and every node in a star topology is connected through hubs. For that reason, tree topology is an expansion of these two topologies, which is easily called an expanded star topology.

In this topology, only one connection exists Between any two connected nodes. There is a mutual relationship exists between the two nodes. So a parent and child hierarchy is created in a tree topology. In this topology, for forming a hierarchical structure, all the nodes of this network are connected through a central node. Hence it is also known as hierarchical topology.

It is one of the simplest approaches among all the topologies. Tree topologies are flexible and reliable. One has to connect extra cables and a hub for the expansion of this network.

Tree topology networks can also be connected in large areas. One can click as many servers as they go through the network. When any data is transmitted through your computer, it will get broadcasted in the hub, and then the message will be conveyed by the hub to the designated computer.

Advantages of Tree Topology:

1. Detection of error:

Error detection in a tree topology becomes more accessible. In this tree topology, the central node connects all the nodes present in it. The error in this node can be easily detected by the hub since all the information transmitted through the node passes through the hub. By replacing the faulty node in this network, we can easily replace the node which has a mistake in it.

2. Sturdiness:

If a single node gets defective in the tree topology, it will not affect the other nodes. The tree topology network is created based on the main backbone cable. Hence, the failure of 1 node would not affect the other nodes, and the other nodes will regularly continue to function. The performance of the network would not be affected by the removal of any node in it.

3. Easy expansion:

The expansion of a tree topology is a straightforward method. Though this topology has no space, it can be expanded. In this topology, without any issue, many secondary nodes can be attached to it since this topology follows a hierarchy pattern. As long as enough cables and hubs are present, the expansion won't be a problem.

4. Every support:

A tree topology is the best considerable option at the time of the addition of new devices. Due to its hybrid approach, various manufacturers support this type of network. For maintenance and other work, he allowed the manufacturers to access the devices connected to the network easily.

5. Low cable requirement:

Any cables are not required at the time of installation of a tree topology. The single cable in this type of topology acts like the backbone of the network, and it runs joint for all the network segments. every tree network is presented with a point to point wiring. This type of point-to-point wiring in this network ensures high bandwidth and low latency.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology:

1. Tree topology installation:

Due to its difficulty during the installation process, the uses of tree topology are very limited. Both bus and star topology functions are included in the tree topology. Hence the cabling requirement of a tree topology is massive. For that reason, the installation process of this topology becomes difficult to handle and expensive.

2. Security:

Extremely weak security is present in a tree topology. All the computers in this topology are interconnected with each other. As a result, any computer within this network can access the data that can pass through the network. So, if a hacker tries to take over a single workstation, they can easily and quickly access all the data; hence, the whole network is compromised.

3. Reliability:

The backbone cable of the tree topology is the main cable on which the entire network depends. If the backbone cable gets defective and fails, then the whole network will collapse. The point where the failure occurs also decides the level of loss. If the damage is restricted before a specific branch, all the segments related to that branch will face problems while functioning. On the other hand, the components which are not associated with it will continue to work usually.

4. Cost:

The cable length of a tree topology is also an essential factor. While creating the point-to-point connection in tree topology, the cable length is limited to a certain point by default. This limitation later causes trouble since it makes it challenging to get wired. Regardless of this, there will be high wiring requirements if the network needs expansion, which will increase the total cost.

5. Maintenance:

Maintenance and configuration of tree topology become difficult due to its large size. A lot of time is taken up for managing point-to-point connections, individual star networks, and the identification of errors. This is amongst one of the major reasons why large organizations less prefer tree topology.

Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Tree Topology