Get to know Hybrid Topology: Explanation, Advantages, and Application in Networks

In forming a computer network, of course, it’s not just installing one device with another device using a LAN cable. Not only like that, but there is something called topology which is how to arrange various kinds of network hardware into a network that works as it should. Topology consists of many types, and one of them is a hybrid topology.

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Maybe from the name alone you can guess how this topology is defined. Yes, of course it is a combination of topologies that have different types. However, what exactly is the clear definition of a hybrid topology? What are the advantages over other topologies? And how is this topology implemented?

What is Network Topology

We start first from what is network topology. Network topology refers to the way in which network links and nodes are arranged to relate to one another. Topology is categorized as physical network topology, which is the physical signal transmission medium, or logical network topology, which refers to the way data travels over a network between devices, regardless of the device’s physical connection.

Examples of logical network topologies include Ethernet twisted pair, which is categorized as a logical bus topology, and token ring, which is categorized as a logical ring topology.

Various Kinds of Network Topologies

Examples of physical network topologies include star, mesh, tree, ring, point-to-point, circular, hybrid, and bus topologies, each consisting of a different configuration of nodes and links. The ideal network topology depends on the size, scale, goals and budget of each business. A network topology diagram helps visualize communication devices, which are modeled as nodes, and connections between devices, which are modeled as links between nodes.

An explanation of the various network topologies is as follows:

ring topology

Two dedicated point-to-point links connect a device to two devices located on either side of it, creating a ring of devices through which data is passed through the repeater until it reaches the target device.

Mesh Topology

Next is the mesh topology. A dedicated point-to-point link connects each device on the network to any other device on the network, only carrying data between the two devices.

Bus Topology

Also known as a backbone network topology, this configuration connects all devices to the main cable through drop lines. The advantage of the bus network topology lies in its simplicity, as fewer cables are required than alternative topologies, which makes installation easier.

Star topology

This is one of the topologies that is often used to form a computer network because it is the most common and the easiest to apply. The star topology connects every device in the network to a central hub. Devices can only communicate with each other indirectly via a central hub.

Tree topology

This topology consists of a parent-child hierarchy in which the star network is interconnected via a bus network. The nodes branch linearly from a single root node, and the two connected nodes share only one mutual connection.

Peer to peer topology

This network topology is a very simple topology. It only connects 2 computers. This will be connected with an RJ45 cable that is used to transfer and receive data.

Hybrid Topologies

This topology is indeed very complicated and can be said to be complex to form. So, the point is that this topology is a combination of 2 or more topologies.

Definition of Hybrid Topology

Now, how about a more detailed explanation of the hybrid topology? Hybrid topology is a type of network topology which is a combination of two or more network topologies, such as mesh topology, bus topology, and ring topology. Use and choice depend on implementation and requirements such as desired network performance, and number of computers, and their location.

The figure below illustrates a hybrid topology structure that contains more than one topology.

However, various technologies are required for its physical implementation, and it offers a complex structure. Also, it includes advantages as increased flexibility; it can increase fault tolerance, and allow new base topologies to be added or removed easily. Hybrid topologies are more useful when you need to cater for diversity in a computer network.

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

There are several advantages of a hybrid topology that you need to know about, including:

1. Reliable: More reliable as it has better fault tolerance. If a node crashes between networks, it’s possible within this network to select the broken node from the rest of the network. Also, in this case, without affecting network processing, the necessary steps can be taken.
2. Effective: This is the biggest advantage of the hybrid topology. The disadvantages of several topologies connected to this topology are ignored. And, there are only considerations about the power of these different topologies.
3. Scalable: A hybrid network is a type of network designed in such a way that makes it capable of easily integrating additional concentration points or other new hardware components. Without disrupting the existing architecture, it is very easy to expand the size of the network by adding new elements.
4. Flexible: One of the great benefits of a hybrid topology is flexibility. This topology can be implemented for a variety of different network environments at the time of creation. Hybrid networks can be created by maximizing available resources and in accordance with corporate demands.

A hybrid network is designed by combining various networks that use multiple connecting points for devices such as personal computers and other hardware components, which connect to a server. They also offer many benefits such as data communication, signal strength, throughput as well as high-end equipment.

It has the ability to easily transfer data between different types of networks.

Application of Hybrid Topology in Computer Networks

Due to its flexibility and ease of use, a hybrid network topology can easily be set up anywhere, in the office or at home. The overall setup does not require complex architectures which saves time and effort.

So, for use on a large scale, for example in office areas, this is a very suitable topology so that one network can keep communicating with other networks.

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