Point to Point, Multi-point and Broadcast
There are several types of communication, partly determined by the method of connecting the hosts on the network.
POINT TO POINT
This is used in serial communication. These types of connections are assumed to be transmitting solely to the station at the opposite end. Because there is only one device at either end of the connection, no addresses are necessary.
Examples:
- EIA/TIA 232
- EIA/TIA 449
- X.25
- Frame Relay
- T-carrier
- OC3 - OC192
POINT TO MULTI-POINT (Non-Broadcast)
Point to multipoint connects one station to several other stations. In non-broadcast systems, the communication is replicated to all the remote stations. Only specific selected stations hear the replicated communication.
Examples:
- Frame Relay
- ATM
POINT TO MULTI-POINT (Broadcast)
Broadcast multipoint protocols are characterized by a physical medum that connects to all machines and where all communication is heard by all stations.
Examples: