Collapsed Backbone Networks
Traditionally, LANs have used multipoint circuits: all computers take turns sharing the same circuit
Traditionally, WANs have used point-to-point circuits: every computer has a dedicated direct connection to one or more computers in the same network
A Collapsed Backbone Network uses a switch and a set of circuits to each LAN
- more cable,
- fewer devices,
- no backbone,
- better performance.
=> expensive cabling, limited maximum distances.
=> THE SWITCH IS THE BOTTLENECK!!!
(compare, star, hierarchical network, corporate telephone network)