This tutorial Introduction to Line Configuration consists of Line Configuration in Computer Networks, difference between Point to Point and Multipoint connection with example.
Table of Contents
Full Tutorials: Complete Computer Network (Free)
Also Read: Introduction To Computer Networks
Also Read: Types of Network Topology
Introduction to Line Configuration
Two or more devices connected through a link is a network. A link is a transmission path through which data is transfer between two or more device. A device can be a computer, printer, or any other device capable of sending or receiving data from the other node/device through the network.
Types of Configurations
- Point to Point connection
- Multipoint connection
Point to Point connection
1. It is a dedicated communication link between two devices.
2. It is simple to set up, understand and maintain.
3. It is connected through cable or wire but satellite or microwave link is also possible.
Example
- Communication between Television and remote control for changing the channels through infrared ray.
- A computer connected by a telephone line.
Multipoint connection
- In this connection, more than two computers are connected through a single link.
- It is also called a multidrop configuration.
Example
ATM is an example of Multipoint connection
Two types of Multipoint Connections
- Spatial Sharing: If several computers can share the link simultaneously, its called Spatially shared line configuration.
- Temporal (Time) Sharing: If users must take turns, it is a timeshared connection.
Difference Between Point-to-point and Multipoint Connection
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Link | Dedicated communication link between two devices | More than two computers are connected through a single link |
| Channel Capacity | Capacity is reserved for both the device connected to the link | Capacity is shared temporarily among the devices connected. |
| Transmitter Receiver | Single transmitter and single receiver | Single transmitter and a single receiver |
Also Read
