Point-to-Point Network Definition

This type of network consists of many connections between individual pairs of machines. To go from the source to the destination, a packet of information on this type of network may have to first visit one or more intermediate machines. Often multiple routes, of different length are possible, so routing algorithms play an important role in point-to-point networks.

As a general rule (although there are many exceptions), smaller, geographically localized networks tend to use broadcasting, whereas larger networks usually are point-to-point.

Related Terms

• Broadcast Network

Other Definitions

References
Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum