Understanding Hybrid topology and advantages and disadvantages

This type of network topology include Bus topology, Ring topology, Mesh topology, Tree topology, and Hybrid topology. One network topology that is pretty much applied to large-scale network is the Hybrid topology.

Hybrid topology is formed from various topologies and network technology. This topology is often used by companies that take over other companies. Because when the network of both companies must be unified, there will be merging of different technologies and network topology.

As a combination of several network topology, Hybrid topology has many plus value. But still this topology has a weakness compared to other types of network topology. In this article, Nesabamedia will discuss the sense of Hybrid topology along with characteristics, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this topology.

Understanding Hybrid Topology

Hybrid topology is a merging of several (two or more) different network topologies. For example, when a network using Ring topology, combined with other network using star topology; Then a new topology formed from the combination of these two network topology is called as Hybrid topology.

If the merged network has the same topology type, merging the two networks is not a hybrid topology. For example the network with a bus topology coupled with other networks that also use the bus topology, the merging of the two networks remains a bus topology, not a hybrid topology.

Hybrid topology combines two or more different network topology in such a way, so that the resulting network topology does not refer to the existing topology standard; Does not display certain topology characteristics.

This topology often produces complex topological layout, difficult to understand, because it combines various topological structures. Nevertheless, the use of this topology rarely cause problems.

Characteristics of Hybrid topology
Topology Hybrid has no special characteristic, because it is a merger of several topologies. Hybrid topology will bring the original topology characteristics that build it. Suppose if a hybrid topology in one of the companies is a combination of star topology, ring topology, and bus topology; Then the hybrid topology on the network has the default characteristics of the ring, Star, and bus topology.

Advantages and disadvantages of Hybrid topology
Just like any other topology, hybrid network topology is also not perfect. This topology has some advantages and disadvantages as follows:

Hybrid Topology Advantages

1. It can unite two or more different network topologies.
2. Flexible and efficient; can be applied to different network environments, without needing to remodel previously formed network topology. In addition it can reduce wasted network space.
3. Customization, allows customization of how network settings to achieve a specific goal.
4. Data streams can work flawlessly although they run in a number of different network traffic due to combining various different network topology configurations.
5. It's easy to add nodes or new peripheral connections, although network topology is different.
6. When one of the links in the network experiences interference, other network link sections will not suffer from interference.
7. Network speed is consistent because it combines the advantages and eliminates the weaknesses of each network topology.

Hybrid topology deficiency

1. Network management tends to be difficult, as merging multiple topologies causes the network structure to become complicated and elusive.
2. The cost to build this topology is quite expensive, because it uses many hubs and cables to connect the network.
3. The cost of network maintenance is also quite expensive. The hub should continue to work even though one of the nodes in the network doesn't work, because the hub should manage multiple network types at once.
4. Installation and configuration of the network is complicated, because it has to connect several different topologies and at the same moment should ensure all nodes are functioning properly.

Network devices in Hybrid topology

1. The Hub

Hub is a network device that serves to connect all the computers in the network. The Hub is the central point of the network that serves to receive the signal from a computer unit and then transfer the signal to another computer. Hubs can also amplify the transmitted signals via UTP cables.

Hubs have multiple ports, through these ports a number of computers can be connected using the RJ45 connector. The number of computers that can connect, depends on the number of ports on that hub. Hubs with other hubs can also be interconnected, allowing for the addition of the number of computers connected in the network. There are two types of hubs used in Hybrid network topology, namely:

1. Passive Hub: Only serves as a network divider.
2. Active Hub: Serves as a liaison as well as an in-network signal booster.

2. Switch

The Switch has a function similar to Hub, which is as a network connection. But unlike the hub, the wide network coverage of the switches is larger. Additionally the switch has a higher speed than the hub. Switches work on Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks, determining where data packets will be sent or received based on the MAC address on the Network Interface Card (NIC). This system provides the occurrence of collision (data collisions) in the network data path.

In addition to the Hub and Switch, this topology also uses other network devices that are used in the network topology that it is attached to. For example router, acces point, LAN Card or Wireless Card, and such. The network cable used in this topology also depends on the types of network topology that build this hybrid topology.