A hybrid topology is a special network topology that is a combination of multiple network topologies like as ring topology, bus topology, mesh topology, and more. Now, here we will guide you about what is hybrid topology and its examples, applications, and uses; as well as various advantages and disadvantages of hybrid topology with ease.

Hybrid Topology Definition

Hybrid topology is very different type of topology in the Computer Network architecture, because it is an interconnection between the multiple other basic topologies such as bus topology, star topology, ring topology, mesh topology (full-mesh topology or partial-mesh topology) etc.

Hybrid Topology Diagram

Hybrid Topology Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

Hybrid Topology Definition!
Hybrid Topology Diagram
Hybrid Topology in Computer Network
Advantages of Hybrid Topology
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology
Example of Hybrid Topologies
Application of Hybrid Topology
Uses of Hybrid Topology
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a hybrid network topology?
Why is hybrid topology used?
Where is hybrid topology used?
What are the examples of hybrid topologies in real life?
What are the real life applications of hybrid topology?
What are the different types of hybrid topology?
What are the features of hybrid topology?
What are advantages and disadvantages of hybrid topology?

Let’s Get Started!!

Why to Implement Hybrid Topology in Computer Network?

All basic computer network topologies are linked to each other with network Backbone, so it grabs all functionalities of all network topologies. Hybrid topology offers best flexibility such as anytime you can add new basic topology or remove as per your requirement and enhanced fault tolerance.

Here are some reasons that refer; why implementing the hybrid topology might be beneficial:

Hybrid topologies let organizations for getting to tailor their network infrastructure to meet specific needs. Different parts of the network can be configured with different topologies based on the needs of that particular segment.

Hybrid topologies provide scalability, allowing organizations to easily expand or modify their networks as needed. New components can be added without disrupting the entire network, promoting a more flexible and adaptable infrastructure.

With combining by multiple topologies; organizations are able to achieve the redundancy and enhance the reliability of the entire network. If one segment of the network fails, traffic can be rerouted through alternative paths, minimizing downtime.

Different network segments may have varying requirements for performance and bandwidth. Hybrid topologies help to organizations for optimizing the performance of particular segment of their network with choosing the most suitable topology for every segment.

In large organizations with multiple locations, a hybrid topology allows the use of different network configurations based on the geographical location and requirements of each site. This can be certainly helpful for getting to optimize performance and decreasing the latency.

As the needs of an organization evolve, a hybrid topology can easily adapt to new requirements. It serves the flexibility to collaborate with new technologies that allowing the accommodate changes in your business environment.

Working of Hybrid Topology

There are some common steps; those are performed in working process of hybrid topology:

Integrates various network topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh)

Divides the network into segments using different topologies

Provides alternative paths for data transmission, minimizing impact in case of failures

Tailors the network design to specific organizational needs and requirements

Easily expands by adding devices or connecting additional networks

Localizes faults to specific segments, easing troubleshooting and maintenance

Designs network segments to optimize performance based on communication patterns.

Simplifies network management and troubleshooting with clear segmentation

Balances performance and cost, utilizing different topologies based on criticality

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

There are some benefits of hybrid topology, such as –

Easy to identify faulty node in the network and it can be removed as well as it has ability to repair their nodes over the network.

It can support huge networks and comfortable to transfer data in between the different types of network.

It helps to enhance the performance over all networks due to its efficient and effective design layout.

Its size easy can be scaled up with adding new networks and other components without getting any errors in its design layout.

Hybrid Network is developed as per need of the small and large organization, and it offers great optimization with available resources such as printers, plotters and more.

Hybrid topology is combination of multiple network topologies, so it has great positive point because it can grab strengths of both topologies, and finally it offers excellent topology. For example – if it grab star and ring topology then it can support both functionality with effectively in hybrid star-ring topology.

It has great reliability due to its sub networks.

Flexibility – it means, you can anytime upgrade and downgrade as per the client need without disturbing its other functionality.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

Here, some limitation of hybrid topology such as –

Complexity of Layout – It’s not easy task to design this architecture for qualified network technician. To get Configuration and installation for hybrid topology required to be much efficient.

Expensive hubs – several hubs are needed to link to different computer networks, so they are more costly. These hubs are not ordinary hubs, so they are special functionality hubs to perform all activates with intelligence for distinct architectures network.

Expensive Infrastructure – Hybrid network architectures are large in size, so they need several cables, cooling equipments, best network devices etc.

Example of Hybrid Topologies

There are four types of hybrid Topologies, such as –

Star-Ring hybrid topology – Star-Ring hybrid topology is a mixer of the star and ring topology. In which, multiple star topologies are linked to each other through a ring topology.

Star-Bus hybrid topology – In Star-Bus hybrid topology, to merge star and bus topology. Couples of star topologies are attached to each other through a bus topology.

Partial mesh hybrid topology – In this topology, fewer devices are linked to multiple devices together, but other devices are attached only to single or two devices.

Extended star hybrid topology – In the extended star topology, multiple extra networking devices are directly linked with centralized networking controller device.

Application and Uses of Hybrid Topology

Tremendous applications are used in the Computer Network, such as –

Automation organizations

Banks sector

Multi-National companies

Educational campus

Research Organizations

Difference Between Tree and Hybrid Topology

Difference	Tree Topology	Hybrid Topology
Basic Structure	Hierarchical arrangement of star networks connected to a linear bus backbone	Combination of two or more different network topologies
Connectivity	Uses a central bus backbone for interconnection	Utilizes a mix of topologies such as bus, ring, star, or mesh
Scalability	Limited scalability due to the hierarchical structure	Offers better scalability by combining different topologies
Complexity	Less complex to design and implement	More complex design and implementation due to the combination of topologies
Cost	Generally less expensive due to simpler structure	Can be more expensive due to the need for diverse hardware and software

Difference Between Star and Hybrid Topology

Difference	Star Topology	Hybrid Topology
Basic Structure	Centralized with a central hub/switch	Combination of two or more different topologies
Scalability	Limited scalability due to the hub’s capacity	Highly scalable, as new topologies can be added independently
Fault Tolerance	Vulnerable to hub failure, impacting connected devices	Enhanced fault tolerance through diversified topological elements
Complexity	Simple and easy to manage	Higher complexity due to the integration of diverse topologies
Cost	Lower cost due to fewer cables	Setting up can be costly

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a hybrid network topology?

Hybrid topology is an integration of multiple different typologies to form a resultant topology, and it grabs all functionalities of them. Then hybrid topology provides the great flexibility that means you are capable to add new one topology or disconnect as per your need and increase the fault tolerance.

Why is hybrid topology used?

The hybrid topology is more helpful for you, whenever you have to need fulfil the diversity in the computer network.

Where is hybrid topology used?

The hybrid topology is going to use in several areas like as banking sector, automated industries, educational institutions, financial sector, research organizations, educational institutions, and more.

What are the examples of hybrid topologies in real life?

There are several examples of hybrid topologies like as:

Star-Ring hybrid topology: Star-Ring hybrid topology is a mixer of the star and ring topology. In which, multiple star topologies are linked to each other through a ring topology.

Star-Bus hybrid topology: In Star-Bus hybrid topology, to merge star and bus topology. Couples of star topologies are attached to each other through a bus topology.

Partial mesh hybrid topology: In this topology, fewer devices are linked to multiple networking devices together, but other devices are attached only to single or two devices.

What are the real life applications of hybrid topology?

A hybrid topology is going to use in many sector like as banking sector, automated industries, educational institutions, financial sector, research organizations, educational institutions, and etc.

What are the different types of hybrid topology?

There are the four kinds of hybrid network topologies such as Star-Ring hybrid topology, Star-Bus hybrid topology, Partial mesh hybrid topology, and Extended star hybrid topology. Above in this post, each one is explained in detail; you can read them.

What are the features of hybrid topology?

A hybrid topology has various features such as:

Easy to identify faulty node in the network and it can be removed as well as it has ability to repair their nodes over the network.
It can support huge networks and comfortable to transfer data in between the different types of network.
It helps to enhance the performance over all networks due to its efficient and effective design layout.

What are advantages and disadvantages of hybrid topology?

Through this blog post, already we have been covered various advantages and disadvantages of hybrid topology; you can read them.

What is the most popular hybrid topology?

The most popular hybrid topologies are the star-ring and star-bus. The star-ring hybrid topology combines the star and ring topologies, while the star-bus hybrid topology combines the star and bus topologies. These hybrid topologies are widely going to use in several network setups that are offering the combination of the advantages of the individual topologies they comprise.

The Bottom Lines

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