5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Hybrid Topology

Hybrid topology: What is it?

Simply put, hybrid topology is the outcome of combining many topologies to combine the best features of each individual topology. More topologies can be added to meet more needs. For instance, a hybrid topology can be created by combining the bus and star topologies, for instance.

When does one apply Hybrid topology?

When there are multiple viable topologies and those need to be integrated, it is particularly favored. This alternative strategy is extremely beneficial to large businesses and organizations. Hybrid topology has numerous benefits for a network, but it isn't perfect. It is necessary to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a networking system before deploying it to enable users to determine whether the chosen topology will be beneficial.


I'll be talking about the 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Hybrid Topology. You will learn about the pros and cons of hybrid topology through this post.

Now let's get started,

 

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

1. Scalability

In general, hybrid topology is made scalable because of its structure. Hardware and networks can be added by users without difficulty or disruption. For this reason, in the realm of networking, hybrid topology is generally used.


2. Flexibility

A hybrid topology has far more flexibility than previous topology types. It was not designed with a particular organization in mind. In a hybrid network, resources are optimized to be available for various networking scenarios.


3. Effectiveness

Hybrid topology, as previously said, is an amalgam of many topologies. The users of this kind of structure only gain from each topology's unique advantages. Here, all the flaws are simply removed.


4. Reliability

The hybrid topology network as a whole has excellent reliability. This design has numerous subnetworks to ensure that the failure of one node won't affect the others in the event of a failure. The network is still capable of operating.


5. Troubleshooting

Using hybrid topology makes network troubleshooting and error correction simple. Should a component begin to malfunction, it is possible to isolate it from the rest of the network without compromising its functionality. At times, consumers may not even be aware that there is an issue with the network. 

 

Disadvantages for Hybrid Topology

1. Cost

Typically, hybrid topology is a costly tactic. The cost of the hub is what drives up the price of this variant. This topology differs from others in that it uses distinct network hubs. It must to be capable of interacting with every topology. 

 

It must also carry on in the event of a failure. As such, it is not the recommended option for setting up small networks in homes or companies.


2. Maintenance

Hybrid topologies are hard to manage because of their complexity. more so in the long term. You can't accomplish this without working with an expert. Additionally, the total cost of maintenance is much higher due to the increased number of devices and network.


3. Cable Failure

The primary functional component of a network with a hybrid architecture is the backbone cable. It ensures that every connected topology operates as intended. Therefore, any harm done to the cable will undoubtedly impact the network as a whole.


4. Complexity

The design of hybrid topology is more complicated because it incorporates a lot of different topologies. The design and construction of this network is a challenging assignment for the network technicians. This adds to the complexity of network processing.


5. Faulty Devices

Hybrid topology makes debugging issues easier, but it is not the same when it comes to avoiding malfunctioning equipment. It needs separate multi-station access units in order to bypass malfunctioning devices. In essence, this indicates that the network is becoming more intricate.