This simple network is based around a simple cable to which the computers are connected. Terminators are required at each end to bounce data back.

Note: Nodes could be PCs, Printers, Servers or any other device that can be connected to a network.

Advantages

• Cheap – no expensive hardware required
• Simple – quick to set up and easy to maintain.

Disadvantages

• Troubleshooting – it is difficult to find errors; if computers at either end could not communicate, then all connections in between them would need to be checked.
• Size – as more computers are added, performance reduces so large networks are not a good idea.
• Reliability – if the main cable goes down, the entire network will go down.
• Security – the data passes each node so could be intercepted
• Data collisions – data travels in both directions and so collisions are expected.

Visit BBC Bitesize for more information about networks.