A tree topology consists of bus and star topologies framed in a common network. The tree like structure of this network allows the colleges, schools, universities and other institutions to maintain their own network as a branch of a bigger network through which they can maximize their area of access to the network. This type of network topology is most suitable for such networks which are widely spread and divided into many branches.
On tree topology the hubs of each smaller topologies are connected to the central hub that controls the entire network. However, some nodes can be directly connected to the central hub.

Tree topology

Advantages of tree topology

• It is possible to form a point to point connection with tree topology.
• All the computers can access other computers which are in other larger and immediate networks.
• Tree topology is best suited for branched out networks.

Disadvantages of tree topology

• In this topology, the length of the network depends on the type of cable utilized to form the network.
• The entire tree topology would fail if the central trunk fails as it forms the backbone of the network.
• The tree topology is comparatively more complex than the bus and star topologies. If it gets bigger, it would be difficult to configure and manage it.
• It is expensive as more hubs and cables are required to install the network.

A network topology refers to the interconnection of various nodes of a computer network. In other words, it defines the layout of the various devices that are part of the computer network.Topology is the virtual "shape" of the network, but it may not actually represent the actual physical design of the network that the various devices are connected to each other.
There are two types of network topologies: physical and logical.

A physical topology refers to the physical design of the computer network that includes the computers and other devices, their location and the various cables installed in the network.

A logical topology means the mode of flow of data in the network in contrast to its physical arrangement.

There are mainly six types of network topologies listed as under:

• bus
• star
• ring
• tree
• mesh
• hybrid