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Difference between Star Topology and Tree Topology

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1. Star Topology: 

Star topology is a type of network topology in which all the nodes are connected to the central hub or router. In star topology, connections are in the way that for n nodes, n number of links are needed. Star topology is less complex due to its simplicity. Star topology is less expensive than tree topology.

  

2. Tree Topology: 

Tree topology is a type of network topology in which the nodes are organized in the form of a tree. In tree topology, design starts at the head top known as the root from which the branching cable starts. The branching cable with no loops connects the root with all other nodes for communication. Tree topology is more expensive as it is densely wired. 

 

The difference between Star Topology and Tree Topology is as follows:

S.No. Star Topology Tree Topology
1. Star topology is a topology in which the nodes are connected to the central hub or router.  Tree topology is a topology in which the nodes are organized in the form of a tree.
2. In star topology, the communication between nodes is done through a central node i.e., hub or router. In tree topology, the communication between nodes is done through a branching cable having no loops.
3. The complexity of Star topology is really simple. The complexity of Tree topology is largely complex.
4. The cost of star topology is lower than tree topology. The cost of a tree topology is high as it is densely wired.
5. Star topology is also called a star network. Tree topology is also called hierarchical topology.
6. Star topology is used in LAN as setup and modification are easy. Tree topology is used in WAN.
7. Star topology is good for small businesses. Tree topology is good for middle-sized businesses.
8. Star topology required less cable than the tree topology. Tree topology requires a lot of cables than the star topology.
9. It is not as difficult to maintain like tree topology. Difficult to maintain because of its size and complexity.
10. It is easy to configure compared to tree topology. It is difficult to configure compared to star topology.
11. The scalability of a network relies on the capacity of central hub in a star topology. The scalability of a network relies on the capacity of central bus and cable type in a tree topology.
12.

Examples-

  • Employed in Small Organizations
  • In High speed LANs
  • Used in Small networks
  • Banks and many more.

Examples-

  • For defining network clusters at each section in a multi-story building.
  • You can separate the entire Tree Network by employing many Switches in case the office has departments and sub-departments. In this way, the tree network is easy to administer and maintain.

Last Updated : 01 Aug, 2022
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