Bus topology

Bus topology
In a network, the master scheduler controls the data traffic. If data is to be transferred, the requesting computer sends a message to the scheduler, which puts the request into a queue. The message contains an identification code which is broadcast to all nodes of the network. The scheduler works out priorities and notifies the receiver as soon as the bus is available.
The identified node takes the message and performs the data transfer between the two computers. Having completed the data transfer the bus becomes free for the next request in the scheduler's queue.
Advantage: Any computer can be accessed directly and messages can be sent in a relatively simple and fast way.
Disadvantage: A scheduler is required to organize the traffic by assigning frequencies and priorities to each signal.
See also: Bus network.