computer science

Tree network

Tree network is a computer science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Tree network rather than just read about it. In short: A tree topology, or star-bus topology, is a hybrid network topology in which star networks are interconnected via bus networks. Tree networks are hierarchical, and each node can have an arbitrary number of child nodes.

Key takeaways

Tree network belongs to computer science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Tree network to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Tree network from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

A tree topology, or star-bus topology, is a hybrid network topology in which star networks are interconnected via bus networks. Tree networks are hierarchical, and each node can have an arbitrary number of child nodes.

Regular tree networks A regular tree network's topology is characterized by two parameters: the branching, d {\displaystyle d} , and the number of generations, G {\displaystyle G} . The total number of the nodes, N {\displaystyle N} , and the number of peripheral nodes N p {\displaystyle N_{p}} , are given by

N = d G + 1 − 1 d − 1 , N p = d G {\displaystyle N={\frac {d^{G+1}-1}{d-1}},\quad N_{p}=d^{G}}

Random tree networks Three parameters are crucial in determining the statistics of random tree networks, first, the branching probability, second the maximum number of allowed progenies at each branching point, and third the maximum number of generations, that a tree can attain. There are a lot of studies that address the large tree networks, however small tree networks are seldom studied.

Tools to deal with networks A group at MIT has developed a set of functions for Matlab that can help in analyzing the networks. These tools could be used to study the tree networks as well. L. de Weck, Oliver. "MIT Strategic Engineering Research Group (SERG), Part II". Retrieved May 1, 2018.

References

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Tree network

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Tree network claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In computer science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Tree network before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Tree network ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Tree network

In research: Tree network appears in computer science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Tree network in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Tree network is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Network topology, Trees (data structures), so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Tree network outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Tree network in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Tree network means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Tree network out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tree network in simple terms?

Why does Tree network matter?

Because it connects several computer science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Tree network?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Tree network.