Tree Topology

Definition - What does Tree Topology mean?

A tree topology is a type of network topology that includes at least three specific levels in a topology hierarchy. Tree topologies are valued for their scalability and accessibility for troubleshooting.

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Techopedia explains Tree Topology

There are numerous ways to explain the structure of a tree topology, as follows:

A tree topology includes multiple star topologies, which involve a variety of single nodes connected to a central node. Multiple stars involve either a series or tertiary nodes attached to two or more secondary nodes, which are attached to the tree's primary trunk node.
Experts may define a tree topology as a combination of star and bus topologies, where multiple elements are connected through a single lateral connection.
Each node in a hierarchy level has point-to-point links with each adjacent node on its below level. All secondary nodes have point-to-point attachments to the tertiary nodes in their jurisdiction, and the primary node has a point-to-point connection to each secondary node. When viewed in a visual way, these systems appear similar to a tree structure.

A drawback of a tree topology is that an entire system can be crippled by any damage or malfunction of the primary node. This is why managers of tree topologies often have a "protect the tree" approach, where the primary node receives special attention or safeguards.