Hybrid topology is a combination of more than two topologies. In computer networking, a network structure that contains more than two topologies is known as hybrid topology. It inherits the advantages and disadvantages of included topologies.
Hybrid Topology
The hybrid network topology includes a mix of bus topology, mesh topology, ring topology, star topology, and tree topology. The combination of topologies depends on the need of a company.
For example, if there is a Mesh topology in one office department while a Ring topology in another department, connecting these two with bus topology will result in Hybrid topology. Combination of Star-Ring and Star-Bus networks are the most common examples of the hybrid network topology.
Types of Hybrid Network Topologies
There are different types of hybrid network topologies depending on the basic requirement of an organization but the most commonly used one is Star-Ring and Star-Bus topologies that make up the hybrid.
1. Star-Ring Network Topology
In a Star-Ring topology, a set of star topologies are connected with a ring topology as the adjoining topology. Joining each star topology to the ring topology is a wired connection.
Figure 1 demonstrates the Star-Ring topology:
Information from a given star topology reaching a connecting node in the main ring topology and the data can flow either in a bidirectional or unidirectional manner. A Uni-directional ring topology can transfer data in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction. thus, a uni-direction ring topology is a half-duplex, whereas a Bi-directional ring topology can transfer and receive data at the same time. Thus, a bidirectional ring topology can be called a full-duplex network.
A Star-Bus topology is the combination of star network topology and bus network topology, in Star-Bus network a set of star topologies are interconnected by a central bus network. Joining each star topology to the bus topology results the Star-Bus topology.
Figure 2 demonstrates the Star-Bus topology.
Advantages of Hybrid Topology:
- Hybrid network combines the benefits of different types of topologies
- Can be modified as per requirement
- It is extremely flexible.
- It is very reliable.
- It is easily scalable
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology:
- It is expensive
- The design of a hybrid network is complex.
- Hardware changes are required in order to connect topology to another topology.
Also Read:
Updated: 03/06/2020 by Computer Hope A hybrid topology is a type of network topology that uses two or more differing network topologies. These topologies can include a mix of bus topology, mesh topology, ring topology, star topology, and tree topology. The choice to use a hybrid topology over a standard topology depends on the needs of a business, school, or the users. The number of computers, their location, and desired network performance are all factors in the decision. The two most commonly used types of hybrid topologies are the following. A star-ring hybrid topology is a combination of the star topology and ring topology. Two or more star topologies are connected together through a ring topology.Types of hybrid topologies
Star-Ring hybrid topology
Star-Bus hybrid topology
A star-bus hybrid topology is a combination of the star topology and bus topology. Two or more star topologies are connected together through a bus topology.
- Network and network card help and support.
Hybrid, Network terms, Topology
Network topology is the topological structure of the computer network. There are many types of the network topologies: bus, star, ring, mesh topology, but the most popular is the hybrid topology.
Create your bus network topology diagrams using the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM.
Use it to draw the physical and logical network topology diagrams for wired and wireless computer communication networks.
Create Network Topology Diagram
The Computer and Networks solution from Computer and Networks area of ConceptDraw Solution Park provides examples, templates and vector stencils library with symbols of local area network [LAN] and wireless LAN [WLAN] equipment.
A Hierarchical network topology interconnects multiple groups that are located on the separate layers to form a larger network. Each layer concentrates on the specified functions, this allows to choose the right equipment for the layer.
Use it to draw the physical and logical network topology diagrams for wired and wireless computer communication networks.
Point-to-point network topology is a simple topology that displays the network of exactly two hosts [computers, servers, switches or routers] connected with a cable. Point-to-point topology is widely used in the computer networking and computer architecture.