The bus network
How the bus network functions
In the bus network all the workstations,servers and printers are joined to one cable (the bus). At each end of the cable a terminator is fitted to stop signals reflecting back down the bus.
Advantages
. Easy to install.
. Easy to add extra workstations.
. Uses less cable than a star network.
. Best choice for temporary networks.
Disadvantages
. If there is a problem with the central cable, the entire network stops working.
. p If there are a lot of workstations on the network, data can travel slowly.
. Data collisions can happen as the network becomes busy.
. low security - every workstation can see all of the data in the network.
. Limited cable length and a maximum number of workstations.