Communication channel is shared by all the machines on the network in

In a network where the communication channel is shared by all the machines, it uses a “broadcast” type of communication model. In such environments, any data transmitted by one machine is potentially receivable by all other machines connected to the network. This shared medium approach requires mechanisms for controlling access to the channel, ensuring that data packets can reach their intended destination without undue interference or collision.

One classic example of a shared communication channel network is Ethernet, in its original form, where all computers are connected to a single coaxial cable or a hub using twisted pair or fiber optic cables. Ethernet uses a protocol known as CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) to manage access to the network. This protocol allows multiple devices to share the same bandwidth (medium) by checking the channel before transmitting (Carrier Sense), transmitting their data when they believe the channel to be free, and stopping and trying again later if a collision (simultaneous transmission by another device causing data interference) is detected.

However, it’s important to note that modern Ethernet networks, especially those using switches, do not strictly share the communication medium in the same way. A switch can direct packets only to the port where the destination device is connected, creating a virtual dedicated connection for the duration of that packet’s transmission, which significantly reduces collisions and improves network efficiency.

Wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi) also share a communication medium (air, in this case), using protocols like CSMA/CA (Carrier