Advantages of Network Model

What is Network Model?

This model was formalized by the Database Task group in the 1960s. This model is the generalization of the hierarchical model. This model can consist of multiple parent segments and these segments are grouped as levels but there exists a logical association between the segments belonging to any level. Mostly, there exists a many-to-many logical association between any of the two segments. We called graphs the logical associations between the segments. Therefore, this model replaces the hierarchical tree with a graph-like structure, and with that, there can more general connections among different nodes. It can have M: N relations i.e, many-to-many which allows a record to have more than one parent segment. Here, a relationship is called a set, and each set is made up of at least 2 types of record which are given below:...

Structure of a Network Model

A Network data model...

Advantages of Network Model

This model is very simple and easy to design like the hierarchical data model. This model is capable of handling multiple types of relationships which can help in modeling real-life applications, for example, 1: 1, 1: M, M: N relationships. In this model, we can access the data easily, and also there is a chance that the application can access the owner’s and the member’s records within a set. This network does not allow a member to exist without an owner which leads to the concept of Data integrity. Like a hierarchical model, this model also does not have any database standard, This model allows to represent multi parent relationships....

Disadvantages of Network Model

The schema or the structure of this database is very complex in nature as all the records are maintained by the use of pointers. There’s an existence of operational anomalies as there is a use of pointers for navigation which further leads to complex implementation. The design or the structure of this model is not user-friendly. This model does not have any scope of automated query optimization. This model fails in achieving structural independence even though the network database model is capable of achieving data independence....

Features of Network Model in DBMS

Data Relationship Representation: The network model uses a graph structure to represent data relationships. It allows many-to-many relationships, providing greater flexibility in how data is connected. Records and Sets: Data in a network model is organized into records and sets. Records are similar to rows in a relational table, and sets are used to define relationships between records, akin to links in a graph. Owner-Member Relationships: The network model defines data relationships using owner-member pairs. An owner record can be linked to multiple member records, and a member record can belong to multiple owner records, facilitating complex relationships. Navigational Access: The network model supports navigational data access, where records are accessed through predefined paths. This is different from relational models, which use declarative query languages like SQL. Hierarchical and Non-Hierarchical Structures: The network model can represent both hierarchical (tree-like) and non-hierarchical (graph-like) structures, providing flexibility in data modeling....

Operations on Network Model in DBMS

Insertion: Adding new records and establishing owner-member relationships. Deletion: Removing records and maintaining data integrity by handling related records and relationships. Update: Modifying existing records and relationships between records. Traversal: Navigating through the network structure to access related records using predefined paths. Search: Retrieving specific records based on criteria by navigating the network structure....

Difference Between the Network Model and the Hierarchical Model

Feature Hierarchical Model Network Model Structure Tree-like structure Graph structure Relationships One-to-many (single parent, multiple children) Many-to-many (multiple parents and children) Flexibility Less flexible More flexible Data Access Single access path Multiple access paths Redundancy Higher redundancy due to rigid hierarchy Lower redundancy due to shared relationships Complexity Simpler to design and implement More complex to design and manage Usage Scenario Suitable for simple, hierarchical data structures Suitable for complex, interconnected data structures Efficiency Efficient for hierarchical traversal Efficient for complex queries and data retrieval Example Organizational chart Telecommunications network...

Conclusion

The network model in DBMS offers a flexible way to represent complex data relationships through its graph-based structure. While it allows for many-to-many relationships and more intricate data connections compared to the hierarchical model, it also requires more sophisticated navigational access methods. Understanding its features and operations helps in leveraging its capabilities for scenarios that involve complex data interactions....

Frequently Asked Questions on Network Model in DBMS – FAQ’s

What are the main advantages of the network model?...