Distribution network (telecommunications)
In telecommunications, a distribution network is a technical network that is able to send information from one source to many destinations. Radio and television are typical services that use distribution networks. While the "Broadcast" (Engl .: broadcast ) sends information to all recipients, the "multicast" conveyed to some of the information from a source selected destinations. For example, the sending of emails is based on "multiple sending ". Broadcasting is usually implemented with a communication medium that any number of recipients can access at the same time, for example by radio or with a LAN with a bus topology . Multiple transmission, on the other hand, requires copier functions, and the messages can also be delivered via line networks. Video on demand , for example, is based on such copier functions. Distribution networks typically do not have bidirectional channels; the flow of information is only possible in one direction. Sometimes, however, return channels are implemented with lower bandwidths in order to enable control functions. ADSL was originally conceived as a communication technology with which it should be possible to retrieve video films over the telephone line. Hence its specific technical characteristics: asymmetrical bit rates in both directions, the return channel only transmits the control functions of a remote control that require little bandwidth.
literature
- Volker Jung, Hans-Jürgen Warnecke (Hrsg.): Handbook for telecommunications. Springer Verlag, Berlin / Heidelberg 1998, ISBN 978-3-642-97703-9 .
- Peter R. Gerke: New Communication Networks. Principles - facilities - systems, Springer Verlag, Berlin / Heidelberg 1982, ISBN 978-3-642-93207-6 .
- Jürgen Rauh: Telecommunication and space. Lit Verlag, Münster 1999, ISBN 3-8258-4379-3 .
- Dieter Conrads: Telecommunications. Basics - Procedures - Networks, 5th edition, Friedrich Vieweg & Sohn Verlag, Wiesbaden 2004, ISBN 3-528-44589-0 .