What is a Hierarchical Network?
Quite simply, a hierarchical network is one that is configured in layers. Here’s an example: This hierarchical network has two layers or levels. At level 1 we have a collection of star topology networks. The central “systems” could be hubs, switches, or even servers that are supporting “dumb terminals”. At level 2 we have a ring network. We refer to each of the star networks as a segment. Communication within a segment does not reach level 2, it all happens within the subnet. However, communication between different segments must traverse at least one of the level 2 nodes. I selected star and ring topologies strictly as an example. The network topology at each level can be any of the schemes that we have discussed. For example level 2 could be star, mesh, or bus. Similarly level 1 could be ring, mesh, or bus. You can also mix different topology types on a given level. The topology designs at each level are based on your network design goals. Hierarchical network topologies allow us to
