Introduction
In networking terminology, the hybrid connection, also called a hybrid topology, combines the best features of two or more different networks. Hybrid topologies are reliable and versatile. They provide a large number of connections and data transmission paths to users. Most real-life networks are hybrid networks, according to selected readings on telecommunication and networking.
History
A network connects computers, scanners, printers and other equipment to make communication and data transmission more efficient. These interconnections are made with cables, such as fiber optic or copper wire cables. Networks also allow users to send and receive information quickly, share resources and reduce costs. The physical layout of a network is called a topology. The two main types of hybrid networks are star-wired ring and star-wired bus. A star-wired ring hybrid combines the physical layout of a star network and the logical topology (or the flow of data) of a ring network. The star-wired bus network uses the physical layout of a star network and the data transmission of a bus network. Common hybrid components include routers, repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches, modems and cables.
Features
Hybird networks provide multiple pathways for data transmission between network nodes. The failure of any single hardware component (such as a printer or a cable) does not affect network performance. In such an event, the hybrid network bypasses the affected node or cable and shifts data to an alternative transmission route. Hybrid networks are versatile and can be adapted to a variety of network requirements and sizes. However, hybird networks are expensive, difficult to set up, extend and troubleshoot. According to a computing guide, a hybrid network requires more cabling between its nodes than other types of networks. Inconsistencies and errors in individual nodes on a hybrid network are often difficult to isolate and repair. Efficient hybrid networks require intelligent concentration points or hubs. Intelligent hubs are designed to provide automatic fault isolation and processing. They can consistently scan the network, gather information on all nodes, detect errors, isolate faulty nodes and convert network traffic to alternate routes. Intelligent hubs, although efficient, are more expensive than passive hubs and active hubs. Large sized hybird networks commonly necessitate multiple intelligent hubs.
Tips and comments
Hybird networks are flexible and are designed to handle the varying needs and usage requirements of their users. They are customized and engineered after a thorough assessment of user and organizational network requirements and the resources available. A hybrid network is dynamic, can suit varying levels of network traffic and processing capabilities, and can be configured in numerous ways to generate optimal results. Hybrid networks can be easily expanded to allow for the addition of more nodes and computer systems. Their concentration points, or the junctions at which additional network connections are made, can be easily expanded at any given point in time to service additional hardware peripherals. Hybrid connections are seen as a practical alternative to single topologies, which are associated with numerous disadvantages. For instance, an organization ma use a bus topology as its main network backbone but have multiple star networks connecting users in each section.
