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 receives 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

• 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.

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

1. "Network Topologies" Teachbook Blog, Accessed August 4th 2015.
2. Janssen, Cory "What is a Bus Topology?", Techopedia, Accessed August 4th 2015.
3. Knott, Geoffrey; Waites, Nick (2002). BTEC Nationals for IT Practitioners. Brancepeth Computer Publications. p. 395. ISBN 0-9538848-2-1. ...all stations have equal priority in using the network to transmit.