Bus network

Topology of a bus network

A bus network is a network topology in which nodes are directly connected to a common linear (or branched) half-duplex link called a bus.^[1][2]

Function

A host on a bus network is called a Station or workstation. In a bus network, every station will receive all network traffic, and the traffic generated by each station has equal transmission priority.^[3] A bus network forms a single network segment and collision domain. In order for nodes to transmit on the same bus simultaneously, they use a media access control technology such as carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) or a bus master.

If any link or segment of the bus is severed, all network transmission ceases due to signal bounce caused by the lack of a terminating resistor.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Very easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus
• Requires less cable length than a star topology resulting in lower costs
• It works well for small networks.
• It is easy to extend by joining cable with connector or repeater.

Disadvantages

• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable or one of the T connectors break.
• Large amount of packet collisions on the network, which results in high amounts of packet loss.

See also

• Network Topologies

References