Tree topology

In short: The tree topology connects several stars hierarchically, like branches on a trunk.

In more detail: At the top is a central device (the root), followed by further switches and, at the ends, the end devices. In company networks this is often built in three layers: core, distribution and access.

In Depth

• Advantages: well structured, easy to expand, areas can be separated (e.g. per floor or department, see VLAN).
• Disadvantages: if a device higher up fails, all devices below it lose their connection. The root is particularly critical. Important devices are therefore often built in pairs.
• Example: a main switch in the basement connects one switch per floor, and each of those serves the workstations.

See also: network topologies, tree data structure