Hybrid Network

In the early years of computer networking, we used to consider wired networks more reliable than wireless. Therefore you might have used wired for work and wireless for everything else.

However, that method of operating ended in 2014 when wireless networks became the standard for most users. Wi-Fi became the conventional networking solution. And while Wi-Fi is good for reading emails and playing online games, it wasn’t reliable enough for businesses and organizations to function at peak performance. Thus, Ethernet cables were introduced for speed, security, and reliability.

However, time is changing, technology is evolving, and businesses are looking to implement hybrid networks.

Hybrid networks utilize cables to typically link desktop computers, where Wi-Fi offers convenient and seamless connectivity among various devices.

A hybrid network is a computer network that uses more than one type of connecting technology. It utilizes special hubs, routers, and switches to connect wired, wireless, and other server-based networks.

But how does hybrid networking work? Are hybrid routers expensive? What are the benefits of using a hybrid networking setup?

These might be some of the questions you have as you think about your company’s connectivity and productivity.

 

Hybrid Network: Introduction and Functions

Whether you’re in the office, home, on the go, or just in the parking lot, you expect to be able to access your organization’s network to share files.

A hybrid network makes that possible. As discussed above, a hybrid network is a computer that uses two or more different communication standards.

For example, a business network that is connected by way of both Ethernet cables and Wi-Fi is considered a hybrid network.

In a wired network, all devices connected through physical cables use a central access point called star topology. All the information or data travels through the center to reach other star points.

The access point in a wired network can be a router, hub, or switch, and then the devices are plugged into the central point through separate Ethernet cables.

However, the standard wireless network communicates through a wireless central access point. If you want to access the internet on your device, you need to connect a wireless access point with a broadband modem.

A hybrid network uses a hybrid access point. This access point connects both wireless signals and wired ports to the same network. The most common hybrid access point is a router.

As you might expect, the technology behind Ethernet and Wi-Fi is different. According to the IEEE Standard Association, the Ethernet cable uses 802.3 standards while Wi-Fi uses 802.11 standards. Thus, you require a router to connect both Wi-Fi and Ethernet-based devices to the same network.

Besides computers, other devices can be linked over a hybrid network. You can connect both wired and wireless printers, fax machines, webcams, etc. to a router.

For example, rather than plugging in a printer to print a document, you can send it through the hybrid network to the printer of your choice.

Most businesses rely on hybrid networking to ensure employees can access data across multiple devices and locations simultaneously. A typical business network today may include components from different departments as well as geographical locations.

For example, offices may be joined with an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) fiber optic connection, with some connecting to Ethernet and home users connecting through 4G wireless.

Hybrid Networking and its Topologies

A hybrid topology is a combination of two or more network topologies like bus topology, mesh topology, tree topology, and star topology.

For example, your sales department may use star topology whereas the HR department works with bus topology. Here your organization is working with a hybrid topology model to enable internet in the devices.

The usage of a hybrid topology depends on a variety of factors such as the needs of the business, the number of computers, the desired network speed, and their location.
However, hybrid topology is useful if you want to have full control and diversity in your solution networks.

Types of Hybrid Topologies

1. Tree Topology

In computer networks, tree topology is also called hierarchical network topology. It combines both star and bus topology. In tree topologies, computers, terminals, and servers are connected in a shape similar to branches on a tree.

The unique feature in a tree network is that only one connection exists between any two connecting nodes. This creates a parent-child hierarchy structure in the network system.

Tree topology is a common way to organize information stored in a database for large networks, corporations, universities, hospitals and large businesses.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider before using this particular hybrid network setup:

Advantages

• The expansion of a tree topology is simple and easy.
• Since each terminal is directly connected to another, it is easy to detect a disconnection.
• Even if one segment gets damaged, the rest of the networks remain intact.

Disadvantage

• It relies heavily on its main bus cable to provide services for the entire network.
• The size can affect its scalability. If more nodes are added, maintenance becomes difficult.
• Each terminal or hub has access to the others, which means less security is available in this design.

The tree topology works well for small networks that require little attention. It is also a viable option to consider in circumstances where hierarchical communication is important between two or more networks.

The parent-child and point-to-point connection can be useful, but it can be quite expensive to manage since it requires heavy cable for installation.

2. Bus Topology

A bus topology, also referred to as line topology, is a network setup where various devices in a network are connected to a single backbone or cable.

The best way to think of a bus topology is like a pathway along which a signal travels to find a node to deliver information. When data reaches a node, the node checks the destination address to see if it matches theirs. If it matches, it processes the information; and if it doesn’t match, the node does nothing.

Advantages

• They are valued for their simplicity and lower costs of implementation.
• It is great for small networks.
• It is easy to connect computers linearly.
• It uses less cable than a star topology.

Disadvantages

• The entire network shuts down if there is a fault in the main cable.
• It can be difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
• It requires terminators for both ends of the main cable.
• Additional devices result in a slower network.

3. Star Topology

Star topology is designed to look very similar to the shape of a star. In this configuration, network components are individually connected to a central access point like a switch, router, or hub.

The central network device acts as a server and the connecting nodes act like clients. Data is first sent to the hub then the hub transmits that data to the receiving device.

Star networks require a point-to-point connection to improve the connection between devices. The most common cables used in a star network setup are coaxial or RJ-45.

Advantages

• Adding extra devices to the network is easy.
• If one cable fails, it doesn’t affect the functionality of the other networks.
• No data collisions occur.
• It is easy to detect faults.

Disadvantages

• No device can work without a connecting hub.
• It is expensive to implement, especially when using a hub or router as the central network device.
• The hub requires regular maintenance, unlike a linear bus.
• The central hub determines the performance of the network.

4. Ring Topology

In a ring topology, connected devices create a circular path. Each device is connected to two others, like points on a circle, to form a ring structure. Data is transmitted from one device to the next until it reaches its destination.

The signals can be transmitted in one direction which is called unidirectional or in either direction called a bidirectional ring network. It uses either Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). Coaxial cables or fiber optic cables are used to connect each device.

Advantages

• All data flows in one direction.
• Additional network devices can be added easily.
• Data transfers from each point at high speed.
• No central access point is needed.

Disadvantages

• All data transferred must pass through each point in a ring network, which makes it slower than a star or bus topology.
• The entire network will be disrupted if one point in the circle shuts down.
• It is expensive to operate and manage.

5. Mesh Topology

In a mesh topology, all computers are interconnected with each other during setup. Each computer sends and receives data from one another which allows for data to be transmitted even if one workstation shuts down.
Mesh is commonly used for wireless networks. There are two types of this topology: full mesh and partially-connected mesh.

In a full mesh topology, the number of connections in a mesh network is calculated using n(n-1)/2, where n is the number of computers in the network. Every computer in this network has a connection to the other computers.

Partial mesh is inexpensive and more practical than full mesh. All nodes are not required to be connected during a network.

Advantages

• There is high security and privacy.
• New devices do not interfere with data transmission.
• No centralized authority.
• Data transmission is simultaneous.

Disadvantages

• It is a costlier option than other hybrid network topologies.
• Difficult and complex installation process.
• High maintenance is required.
• The chance of a redundant connection is high.