Tree Topology: Definition, Practices, and Importance

Published on: December 23, 2022

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One kind of network topology is tree topology. The orderly configuration of a communication network's components (links, nodes, etc.) is known as its topology. The arrangement of different telecommunication network types, such as industrial field buses, command and control radio networks, and other key networks, is known as network topology. Tree topology in networking refers to a hierarchical arrangement where devices are interconnected. It has a resemblance to a tree, with a central node known as the root and several offshoots called branches. The root node is linked to many tiers of child nodes, creating a hierarchical structure. A bus and star network topology is combined to form a tree topology in computer networks. This topology's key benefits include being very flexible and having superior scalability. With only one route between any two network nodes, the tree network topology is thought to be the simplest topology of all the topologies. As a result, the connection structure resembles a tree with a single root from which all of its branches grow. Among the five network topologies, the tree topology is one of the most widely used.

In this article, we will find answers to the following questions:

• What is tree topology?

• How does tree topology work?

• How does tree topology transmit data?

• What are the best practices for tree topology?

• What are the advantages of tree topology?

• What are the disadvantages of tree topology?

• How much does a tree topology cost?

• What is the importance of tree topology in a LAN?

• Does tree topology have good security?

• What is the difference between mesh and tree topology?

• Tree topologies are used for what?

What is Tree Topology?

Tree topology describes how the devices are placed so that they resemble a tree's branches. In a structure that resembles a tree, devices at lower levels are connected to those at higher levels. Point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links are frequently employed at the upper levels of the tree topology.

A tree topology incorporates elements of star and linear bus topologies. It is made up of collections of workstations arranged in a star shape that is joined by a linear bus backbone cable. A network can be expanded using tree topologies, and organizations can customize a network to suit their needs.

Although tree topology is a less popular network topology, it is employed when scalability or hierarchical setup between two networks is necessary. A tree topology's structure is extremely distinct from other topologies since it resembles a tree, hence its name. This topology's core node serves as the network's trunk, while nodes radiate outward from it like tree branches. In a tree topology, there is only one path visible between any two network nodes. The connecting structure resembles a tree with a single root from which all of its branches grow.

Figure 1. Tree Topology Diagram

Tree Topology Characteristics

The main characteristics of Tree Topology are as follow:

• You can add more computers to a specific location in a tree topology by extending Star Networks connected to the main Backbone Cable.

• If one of the computers on the network fails, the operation of the entire computer network is unaffected. As a result, it is more reliable and fault-tolerant.

• Because of the use of a Switch or Intelligent Hub, its network performance may be quite good.

• Tree topology is an excellent choice for your small-scale LAN (Local Area Network).

• Furthermore, it provides increased security, which can be further enhanced by the use of Intelligent Hub.

How Does TreeTopology Work?

A tree topology is frequently referred to as a "star bus topology" in computer networks because it includes elements of both star and bus topologies to produce a tree-like structure. In tree topology, each branch has a star network, which has a bus backbone as its primary structure. The primary bus is consequently connected to one or more switches, buses, and network nodes, which are then linked to one or more network devices and network nodes. By simply expanding the Star Network at each branch of a tree, it is an extremely flexible computer networking technique that enables you to add network devices to this network. However, there may be situations when you need to add or remove devices.

The illustration below will assist you in comprehending how tree topology functions.

Figure 2. How Tree Topology Works

For instance, the server digests or encapsulates the target address and data if it wants to connect to Node I. Once the signal has been encapsulated, it will then be sent to the backbone cable. The encapsulated package is beginning to pass on both sides of the Bus Backbone Network branches.

The Three Topology Network supports intelligent hubs, active hubs, and passive hubs, three different types of hubs. Each one of them has its own operating system. We are merely outlining how an intelligent hub operates. Let's assume that every hub is an intelligent switch.The packet will initially travel to Switch S1, which, upon receiving it, will check the destination address. The package will be instantly discarded if this portion of the destination address does not match.

Similar to the enclosed packet, Switch S2 will receive it and verify the destination address. It will deliver the package to Switch S3 if it discovers that the destination address is incorrect. The packet will then be forwarded to the designated location by S3 after it discovers the link connecting the destination address.

How Does Tree Topology Transmit Data?

A tree topology relies on a cable to transmit data to the entire network because the information is passed from one node to the next, resulting in weak points. A bus topology backbone cable connects multiple star networks. A device sends data to its hub, which then sends it to another hub via bus cable, and the receiver hub broadcasts the data to the connected devices.

The tree topology is a composite of several star topologies. Both the tree and the star are similar to the bus when the interconnection node operates in the broadcast mode because the information is propagated to all stations; however, in this topology, the branches extend from a root point (the star), with as many branches as possible depending on the tree's characteristics.

What are the Types of Tree Topology?

Tree topologies can be categorized as follows:

• Bus Tree Topology: You connect PCs to central hubs or switches, and a backbone cable handles communication throughout the tree network. The Bus Backbone connects to central devices rather than each computer separately. However, users have the option of directly connecting devices to the Backbone Cable.

Figure 3. Bus Tree Topology

• Cluster Tree Topology: The most crucial concept in cluster tree topology is the parent-child link between nodes. The parent is only the hub or switch, for example, which serves as the central device.

Figure 4. Cluster Tree Topology

• Spanning Tree Topology: One of the terms that are frequently used to connect every node in a graph is spanning tree topology. Another term that is frequently used and provides a mechanism to connect all of the graph edges is the Minimal Spanning Tree (MST). Many Backbone Cables are present in this type of topology to connect the various clusters that are accessible throughout the complete computer network.

What are the Advantages of TreeTopology?

The advantages of tree topology are listed below:

• Combination of bus and star topology: Tree topology is a combination of bus and star topology. As a result, the tree topology now has the characteristics of both bus and star topologies.

• Error detection: Finding errors in a network is simple. Due to the fact that each node is connected to a hub or concentrator, the hub can identify which node has a problem, allowing you to quickly repair the cable or address any other node-related issues.

• Device support: A tree topology is one of the most excellent solutions when adding additional devices. This network is supported by a number of firms because of its hybrid approach. Additionally, it makes it simple for manufacturers to perform maintenance and other tasks on network-connected devices.

• Durability: In a tree structure, if one node develops a flaw, it won't affect the other nodes. The main backbone cable serves as the foundation for the entire tree topology network. As a result, the failure of one node will not have an impact on the other nodes, and they will continue to operate normally. The performance of the network is unaffected by the elimination of any node.

• Network growth: The network can be easily expanded. All you need are cables and an additional hub. Without any problems, more STAR networks can be added to the primary cable or bus.

What are the Disadvantages of Tree Topology?

The shortcomings of tree topology are explained below:

• Hard Maintenance: Because of the size of the tree, maintenance and configuration are challenging. It takes a lot of time to manage point-to-point connections, individual star networks, and error detection. This is among the main reasons why big organizations don't choose tree topology as much.

• Challenging Installation: Due to the difficulty of installing tree topology, its applications are constrained. Both bus and star topology features are included in a tree topology. Consequently, a tree topology has a huge cabling need. To grow the network, more and more cables are needed. Therefore, as the network expands, the cable's length also increases, making cable management a challenge. This results in an expensive and challenging installation process for this design.

• Poor Security: Tree topology has very poor security. All computers are connected to one another in a tree topology. The data that travels via the network can therefore be accessed by any computer connected to it. Therefore, if a hacker is able to access only one workstation, they may easily access all the data, which compromises the entire network.

• Poor Scalability: The type of cable used to build the network affects the network's ability to grow. Future network expansion will be complicated if the cable is of poor quality. The kind of cable being utilized also has an impact on the data transfer rate.

• Low Reliability: The main cable on which the entire network depends is the backbone cable of the tree topology. The entire network will come to an end if the backbone cable develops a flaw and fails. The level of loss is determined by the failure point. All the segments connected to that branch will experience issues if the damage is only present before that branch. On the other hand, the parts that are unrelated to it will continue to function normally.

• Hub Problem: If one or more hubs stop functioning, certain network nodes will lose connection to the rest of the system.

• High Cost: Another important consideration is the cable length of a tree topology. The cable length is by default constrained to a certain point when establishing a point-to-point connection in a tree topology. This restriction eventually presents issues because it is difficult to get wired. In spite of this, if the network needs to be expanded, there will be significant wiring requirements, which would raise the overall cost.

Advantages	Disdvantages
The bus and star topologies are combined to form tree topology.	Comparatively speaking to other network topologies, tree topology is highly challenging to configure. Additionally, the expense of the establishment rises.
Segment-specific point-to-point wiring	A segment can only be so long, and the maximum length is determined by the kind of cabling that is being utilized.
The leaf nodes may extend by adding one or more nodes to the hierarchical chain, giving the tree structure great scalability.	The network performance of a tree topology becomes a little slow as a result of the abundance of nodes.
In a network, if one of the nodes is broken or malfunctions, the remaining nodes are unaffected.	The subsequent level's computer will experience issues if the preceding level's computer is in error.
A hierarchical and central data arrangement of the nodes is provided by tree architecture.	Because the data must travel from the central wire, there is a lot of network traffic.
Simple fault identification is possible with tree topology, which also offers straightforward maintenance.	It's fairly complicated to treat the topology.
Tree topology is a topology with callables. More nodes can fit inside leaf nodes.	The network's upkeep will become more challenging as more nodes are added.
Using a tree topology is quite secure.	All of this network segment's failures seem to originate from the backbone.
Many hardware and software firms are behind it. It is also utilized by WAN.	In comparison to star and ring topologies, it calls for a lot of cables.

Table 1. Benefits and Drawbacks of a Tree Topology

How Much Does a Tree Topology Cost?

The cost of a tree topology is considerable due to high cable demand, and the cost of setup may deter people from considering tree topology. In particular, the cable length of a tree topology is critical. By default, when constructing a point-to-point connection in tree topology, the cable length is limited to a given point. This constraint eventually causes problems because it makes getting wired difficult. Regardless of whether the network needs to be expanded, there will be extensive wiring requirements, raising the overall cost.

What is the Importance of Tree Topology in LAN?

Tree topology is an excellent choice for your small-scale LAN (Local Area Network). A tree topology is a network topology in which the root node is at the top and the leaves are at the bottom. Tree topologies are frequently used in computer networking to create virtual LANs (VLANs).

In a home or small office, tree topology is frequently used to connect multiple devices, such as printers and computers. Tree topology is commonly used to build bus networks in which each device is linked to a centralized server. This feature of the tree topology shows us the LAN usage area.

Furthermore, there are three common LAN topologies: star, ring, and bus. Star topologies are also the most common LAN configuration. As a result, the following tree topology characteristics demonstrate the significance of tree topology in LAN.

• A tree topology combines elements of the linear bus and star topologies. It is made up of clusters of star-configured workstations linked by a linear bus backbone cable. Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network and the configuration of a network to meet the needs of an organization.

• Tree topology allows for both hierarchical and central data arrangement of nodes.

• Tree topology is highly scalable because the leaf nodes can add one or more nodes to the hierarchical chain.

Does Tree Topology Have Good Security?

No. As all workstations linked to the network of a tree topology can see the sent data together with the network, one of the main drawbacks of a tree topology is a security concern. The system is less secure when all connections are active since they can all access one another. The data that travels via the network can therefore be accessed by any computer connected to it. Therefore, if a hacker is able to access only one workstation, they may easily access all the data, which compromises the entire network.

Because of this, it may be more detrimental to any industry or organization that uses tree topology. They must use password restrictions and other workstation-based security mechanisms to prevent access to their information in order to protect it.

What is the Difference Between Mesh and Tree topology?

Mesh topology is a network topology in which each node is fully connected to every other node via a dedicated network link. In a mesh topology, connections are made in such a way that n(n-1)/2 links are required for n nodes. Tree topology is a type of network topology in which nodes are grouped in the shape of a tree. The root node serves as the starting point for the branching cable, which connects the root node to all other nodes in a hierarchical fashion. Mesh topology provides better redundancy than tree topology. However mesh topology can be more complex to manage.

The differences between mesh topology and tree topology are given in the following table:

Mesh Topology	Tree Topology
Mesh topology is particularly expensive due to the high cost of cabling.	Tree topology is cheaper than mesh topology.
The amount of cable required in mesh topology is enormous.	The amount of cable required in a tree topology is smaller than that required in a mesh topology.
In a mesh topology, each node is fully connected to every other node via a dedicated link.	The nodes in tree topology are structured in the shape of a tree
Data is transported in mesh topologies using two techniques: routing and flooding.	Data is sent through a branching wire with no loops in a tree topology.
Mesh topology is also referred to as a mesh network.	Tree topology is also referred to as hierarchical topology.
It is appropriate for applications where dependability is critical, such as communication for military groups.	It is appropriate for small-scale local area networks.
Types of mesh Topology are: Full mesh Topology and Partial mesh Topology	Types of Tree Topology are: Bus Tree Topology, Cluster Tree Topology and Spanning Tree Topology
A mesh topology provides a high level of security.	The security of tree topology is higher than that of mesh topology.
Mesh topology is difficult to maintain.	Tree topology is simple to maintain.
Mesh topology installation is tricky.	In comparison to mesh topology, the installation of a tree topology is simple.

Table 2. Mesh Topology vs Tree Topology

What are Tree Topologies Used For?

A tree topology is frequently used in computer networks, which is one of its most widespread uses. In a home or small business, tree topology is frequently used to link numerous devices, including PCs and printers. Tree topology is commonly used in bus networks, where every device is connected to a central server.

Additionally, star networks, in which every device is connected to a central hub, can be built using tree topology. When every device on the network must be able to communicate with every other device on the network, such as in large office buildings or campuses, star networks are frequently utilized.

Although there are no widespread applications for tree topology, its utilization is entirely contingent on its users. Along with using it, you can gain from it. The Tree Topology Network's application includes Zigbee. Zigbee, however, does not make use of tree topology. However, in terms of networking, you may use it anywhere.

For instance, you can use tree topology to create clusters at each portion of the network when you have a multi-story building. Or with the aid of numerous switches, you can separate the entire tree network if you have departments and sub-departments, making the network easier to manage and maintain.

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