Tree Topology: Definition, Characteristics, Working and Types

A Tree Topology is a type of Topology Network that mimics the structure of a Tree. Just as a tree has a main trunk from which many branches emerge, in Tree Topology there is a Central Node from which many intermediary nodes emerge.

• In Tree Topology there is only one mutual connection between any two nodes.
• Tree Topology has several uses, especially in large network systems (Corporate networks) and also used in making Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs).

Key Terms: Tree, Tree Topology, Mesh, Bus Topologies, Star Topologies, Tertiary Nodes, Bus Backbone Network

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Tree Topology - Definition

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A Tree Topology is the kind of Topology which has a Central Node, to which all the other nodes are connected through single paths.

Tree Topology is named so because its structure clearly resembles that of a tree with its branches emerging from its main trunk. Thus, in Tree Topology, the Computers are connected to the Central Node in a branching manner.

• Usually, a combination of bus Topologies and Star Topologies together form a Tree Topology. 
• The nodes in Tree Topology are arranged in a hierarchical manner.
• The Central Node is the main node, also the Primary Node as it is at the apex of hierarchy.
• From it emerges Secondary nodes and from the Secondary Nodes emerge the Tertiary Nodes.

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Characteristic Features of Tree Topology

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Here is a list of several features of Tree Topology:

• One can easily add more nodes (computers) within an existing Tree Topology. It can be done by extending the Star Networks connected to the main Backbone Cable.
• The failure or breaking down of one computer node does not affect the working of other computer nodes. The output of other modes would remain the same. Hence, it is more reliable. 
• As it uses a Switch or a Central Hub, the performance of the network is efficient enough.
• Small-sized LANs can easily make use of Tree Topology. 
• The information stored in the database using Tree Topology is greatly secured and confidential. Furthermore, extra security can be added using an intelligent hub.

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Working of Tree Topology

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Before understanding the working of Tree Topology, let's first understand the structure of Tree Topology:

Structure of Tree Topology

Tree Topology is often referred to as "Star bus Topology" because it has a combination of Bus and Star Topologies. Here, each branch of the networks in Tree Topology is basically a Star Network which has the backbone of a Bus Topology. The Primary Bus is attached to one or more buses, switches, and or nodes. These nodes in turn are connected to one or more nodes, network devices, and Computers.

The illustration ahead will give a clear understanding of the Tree Topology:

Tree Topology

Method of Working in Tree Topology

A Tree Topology can make use of any of the following three hubs:-

• Intelligent hub
• Passive hub
• Active hub

Each hub has its own mechanism and methodology of working.

In this example, presumably Intelligent hubs have been used. Now, the bus backbone has several terminals with each terminal. These terminals are hubs having Intelligent Switches. 

• Now let's say, the server wants to connect with node I.
• To do this the server will digest and encapsulate the address of the node along with the data.
• This bunch of addresses and data is then sent in circulation as a packet.
• This encapsulated packet will be carried on both sides of the Bus Backbone Network.
• First, the switch S1 receives the packet and reads the address in it.
• Now, if the address in the encapsulated packet does not match with any of its connected nodes, the Switch instantly discards it.
• In the same manner, the packet will reach the switch S2. Now, S2 upon discovering an unknown address quickly forwards the encapsulation to switch S3.

The switch has Node I. Upon receiving the encapsulated packet, S3 quickly recognizes the address and forwards it to the concerned node I.

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How does Tree Topology cause Data Transmission?

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A Tree Topology employs cable to transmit data from one end to the other. This is because the information being passed from one node to another leads to the formation of weak points. A cable is very useful in such a case. As already discussed, a Bus Topology backbone cable connects several Star Networks.

• A signal is transmitted from one node by its hub, this hub transfers the data to another hub through the bus cycle.
• This process continues until the information reaches the receiver hub, after which the data is broadcasted to the receiver hub's devices.
• It works in a sort of broadcast mode, wherein the information from the Bus Topology backbone is broadcasted to all the stations (hubs and internodes).

Also Read:

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Types of Tree Topology

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There are three types of Tree Topologies that are structurally and functionally different from each other. These are mentioned in brief here:

Bus Tree Topology

In this type of Tree Topology, the computers or devices are connected to the Bus Topology backbone via Hubs and Switches. Thus, in this setting the nodes (devices) have to be connected to a Central device (hub) rather than directly connecting to the Bus cable. However, the user is free to attach any computer freely and directly to the Bus.

Bus Tree Topology

Spanning Tree Topology

The Spanning Tree Topology hosts a multitude of backbone cables that connect clusters of networks and nodes present in the system. It basically connects all the nodes of a graph and is also known as Minimal Spanning Tree (MST). The MST works to connect all the graph edges.

Spanning Tree Topology

Cluster Tree Topology

The Cluster Tree Topology uses the Parent-child terminology which is very crucial in this type of network. Here, the Hub or Switch works as the parent as it is the only Central device for the nodes.

Cluster Tree Topology

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Advantages of Tree Topology

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The advantages of using Tree Topology are listed below:-

1. Benefits of Bus and Star Topologies: As Bus and Star Topologies, both are used in the Tree Topology. The net result is cumulative extraction and the use of both Topologies to build a more efficient network system. 
2. Detection of Error: In Tree Topology, fault detection is quick and easy as the hubs allow to locate any faulty nodes or any other related issue.
3. A durable networking solution: The biggest advantage of Tree Topology is that if one node fails or breaks down, the other nodes keep working normally and remain unaffected by any such issues. Thus, even if one or two nodes fail, the system is unaffected and is expandable (more new nodes can be connected) which makes this topology durable in the long run.
4. Easy to Expand: Due to the existence of Star Topology, more new devices can be added from time to time in a Tree Topology Network System without disrupting the main Bus backbone cable.
5. Better Efficiency: Its efficiency is better than bus Topologies as Tree Topology employs Intelligent hubs and Switches.
6. Easily Manageable: It is easy to manage and maintain. Hence, Tree Topology is a good choice for Small Scaled organizations. 

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Disadvantages of Tree Topology

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Tree Topology comes with a few shortcomings as well. Here's a list of the disadvantages and inconveniences associated with Tree Topology:-

1. Maintenance difficulty

Due to the fact that a huge no. of terminals and nodes are connected to the Bus cable, it makes the network difficult to maintain appropriate connections between them. It is very time-consuming to maintain node-to-node connections, the different star topologies, and fault correction. Reconfiguration of nodes and hubs is also difficult because of the same reason.

2. Installation difficulty due to Complexity

The larger a Tree Topology is, the more complex its networks become. This is the outcome of innumerable nodes, hubs, and switches utilized. This makes setting up Tree Topology an arduous task, consuming a lot of time and resources.

• The chances of error during installation are also relatively high, and if any error creeps in, reconfiguration is a challenge.
• For this reason, Tree Topologies are not used by large organizations.
• A greater number of nodes means more requirements for cables.
• This increases the total length of the cable used increasing the cost and cable management becomes challenging.
• Thus, the installation of Tree Topology needs a larger space and is time-consuming, expensive, and challenging.

3. Dependency on the Bus cable and hubs

The whole complex of Tree Topology relies upon the Bus backbone cable. The whole system will stop functioning if the main Bus backbone fails or gets damaged. But if the faulty point is at any of the terminals, then the connections at that terminal are affected and stop working.

• The connections of the other terminals will function properly.
• Faults or errors in the main cable points apart from the terminal will cause a collapse of the whole system.
• Moreover, if a hub breaks down, the concerned nodes will lose connectivity to the whole system.

4. Poor Security

The fact that the data is made to travel in the main Bus cable in Tree Topology. This causes the data to be transmitted to all the hubs and switches.

• All the computers on the node can receive the information.
• Now, the biggest fear of the user is that if one hub/ switch is hacked by an outsider the whole system can get hacked.
• This can result in the stealing of data and also putting the whole system at stake.
• Thus, the Tree Topology is not secure enough.

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Difference between Mesh and Tree Topology

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The differences between Mesh Topology and Tree Topology are enlisted in the table below:-

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Uses and Applications of Tree Topology

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The use of Tree Topology is solely dependent upon the user's needs and degree of affordability. 

Tree Topology has some applications and uses in different types of organizations and Networking needs. Here's the list for the same:-

1. In Small- scaled LANs (Local Area Networks) Tree Topology can be conveniently used to create Virtual LANs.
2. In homes and small businesses, Tree Topology can be seen. The devices such as. Computers and Printers are easily connected through Tree Topology. This is because there isn't much need for high security and any number of devices can be connected or disconnected as per the needs.
3. Tree Topology can be indirectly used in establishing Star Networks. Star Networks are usually needed when each device on the network needs to communicate with every other device, a Star Network is required.

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Things to Remember

• Tree Topology is a type of Topology in which the networks are connected in a hierarchical order. 
• There is a centralized server that has many terminals leading to different workstations and each workstation branches into many different nodes.
• In Tree Topology each node has two links and data is transmitted from the server to the workstations, which are mostly hubs or switches, which then transfer the data to the respective node.
• Data is transmitted using cables. The hubs and nodes are also connected using cables.
• Tree Topology is of three types- Cluster Tree Topology, Bus Tree Topology, and Spanning Tree Topology. 
• A Tree Topology makes use of the features of both- Bus and Star Topologies. Fault detection is easier and so is the addition of new nodes to the hubs.
• The malfunctioning of one node in Tree Topology does not affect the performance of the other nodes. Hence it is durable. 
• Tree Topology can be easily hacked and hence the data is not secured enough. Moreover, reconfiguration is a difficult procedure.
• If there is damage to the main Bus Backbone cable, the whole system will not work.