Page 176 - PYTHON-12

8.11.5 Tree Topology

In tree topology, all or some of the devices are connected to the central hub, called an active hub,
and some of the devices are connected to the secondary hub, which may be an active hub or passive
hub. An active hub contains the repeater that regenerates the signal when it becomes weaker with
longer distances. A passive hub simply provides a connection between all other connecting nodes.

Fig. 8.23: Tree Topology

Advantages of Tree Topology

(a) The tree topology is useful in cases where a star or bus cannot be implemented individually.

(b) It is most suited in networking multiple departments of a university or corporation, where
each unit (star segment) functions separately, and is also connected with the main node
(root node).
(c) The advantages of centralization that are achieved in a star topology are inherited by the
individual star segments in a tree network.

(d) Each star segment gets a dedicated link from the central bus. Thus, failing of one segment
does not affect the rest of the network.
(e) Fault identification is easy.

(f) The network can be expanded by the addition of secondary nodes. Thus, scalability is
achieved.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology

Computer Science with Python–XII 8.22 (b) Owing to its size and complexity, maintenance is not easy and costs are high. Also,
(a) As multiple segments are connected to a central bus, the network depends heavily on the
bus. Its failure affects the entire network.

configuration is difficult in comparison to other topologies.
(c) Though it is scalable, the number of nodes that can be added depends on the capacity of the
central bus and on the cable type.

CTM: In tree topology, the main central hub is connected to the secondary hub through which all devices
are connected with each other. Tree topology is just like a parent-child relationship.