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| Star Topology |
| The only non-broadcast topology
currently available in the commercial LAN market is the star. The star topology
consists of a central node to which every other node is linked via point-to-point
connection. The central node controls and routes all network traffic. (e.g.
when messages are sent between the network nodes, the transmitting node
makes the request to the central node, which in turn establishes a path
to the receiving node). Star topology networks are of two types, circuit
switched or message switched. Circuit Switching, the link between the transmitting and receiving nodes is established on demand for exclusive use of the circuit until the connection is released. The modern PBX system that handle voice and data are circuit switched networks. Message Switching, the entire message is transmitted to an intermediate point (e.g. switching computer), stored for a period of time (usually short), and then transmited again towards its destination. |
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