NETWORKING
Different Types of Networks
The different types of networks are often described
by their shape, for example the star network, the bus network and the ring
network, all of which describe their structure.
First of all looking at the star network which consists
of a central host computer connected to a number of smaller computers or
terminals, and is used in a mainframe systems, some of the processing in
this network must take place centrally, whilst other parts can be used
locally, there are problems with using the star network, is its vulnerability,
as all the communication between points in the network must pass through
the central computer as they are connected to it , therefore if the central
computer fails then the connecting computers will also fail.
Secondly looking at the bus network, the computers
are connected singly by by a circuit made of twisted wire. All the
signals broadcast in both direction through the wire, there is special
software which allows identification of which components receive each message,
the advantage of the bus network over the star network is that if
one computer in the network fails it doesn't affect other components.
This type of network is commonly used for local area
networks.
Lastly looking at the ring network, which is not
that dissimilar to the bus network, as it does not rely on a central host
and therefore if one system fails the rest of the systems wont be affected.
each computer in the network is able to communicate
directly with any other computer, and also each system can be very independent
from the others
Data is passed along the loop, ,which is described
as a closed loop, from one computer to another and unlike the bus network
only moves in one direction
Further information about networks can be found at
the Laudon and
Laudon website, and if anyone has any questions or suggestions regarding
the site, they can e-mail
me.
Page Created by Jessica Haynes on 18th May 2000
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