Informatics Practices · Ch 5 — Internet and Web
Tree or Hybrid Topology
Tree or Hybrid Topology
A network topology is the physical or logical arrangement of devices in a network. A tree topology (also called a hybrid topology) is a hierarchical structure where a central backbone connects multiple branches, and each branch itself can be a different basic topology — such as a star, ring, or bus.
This design is not a single, pure topology. Instead, it combines two or more different topologies into one larger network. That is why it is called a hybrid topology.
The tree topology is most commonly used in Wide Area Networks (WANs). In a WAN, several separate Local Area Networks (LANs) need to be connected together. Each of those LANs might already be arranged as a ring, a bus, or a star. The tree topology allows these different LANs to be linked into a single, larger network.
For example, the textbook shows a hybrid topology in Figure 5.16 where four star topologies are connected along a single bus backbone. In this arrangement, the bus acts as the main trunk, and each star network is a branch attached to it.
How data travels in a tree topology
When a device on one branch sends data, the data first reaches a centralised device (like a switch or hub on that branch). From there, the data passes through every branch of the tree. Each branch can have links to more nodes (computers or devices) further down the hierarchy. …
Drawn by us to help you understand the concept clearly, and verified to make sure it's accurate. For exams, practice from your textbook's own diagram.
The diagram shows a single horizontal line running across the top — this is the backbone bus. Attached to this backbone are four vertical lines, each leading downward to a separate star topology. Each star consists of a central device (a hub or switch) drawn as a small box or circle, with several nodes (shown as smaller circles or squares) connected to it by straight lines, forming a star shape. The backbone bus connects these four star clusters in a linear chain.
The figure is labelled to indicate that this is a hybrid topology — specifically, a tree-like arrangement where the backbone is a bus and each branch is a star. No other labels (like site names, IP addresses, or distances) appear; the focus is purely on the structural relationship between the bus backbone and the star branches. …