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5.4 Data Models - Network Model

The network model extends the hierarchical structure by allowing many-to-many relationships through a tree-like structure with multiple parents. It represents data through records with fields and handles relationships through nodes and arcs. The network model can represent redundancy more efficiently than hierarchies and allows multiple paths between nodes. Operations are maintained through indexed linked lists that navigate between related records. The model depicts complex relationships like an agent representing clients and entertainers with engagements and payments.

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33 views3 pages

5.4 Data Models - Network Model

The network model extends the hierarchical structure by allowing many-to-many relationships through a tree-like structure with multiple parents. It represents data through records with fields and handles relationships through nodes and arcs. The network model can represent redundancy more efficiently than hierarchies and allows multiple paths between nodes. Operations are maintained through indexed linked lists that navigate between related records. The model depicts complex relationships like an agent representing clients and entertainers with engagements and payments.

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4.

NETWORK MODEL

The network model is the extension of the hierarchical structure because it allows many-
to-many relationships to be managed in a tree-like structure that allows multiple parents.

There are two fundamental concepts of a network model −

 Records contain fields which need hierarchical organization.

 The main difference of the network model from the hierarchical model is its ability
to handle many to many relationships In other words it allows a record to have
more than one parent.

 The schema is viewed as a graph in which object types are nodes and relationship
types are arcs, is not restricted to being a hierarchy or lattice.

EXAMPLE-

The network model has the following major features −

 It can represent redundancy in data more efficiently than that in the hierarchical
model.

 There can be more than one path from a previous node to successor node/s.

 The operations of the network model are maintained by indexing structure of


linked list (circular) where a program maintains a current position and navigates
from one record to another by following the relationships in which the record
participates.
The following diagram depicts a network model. An agent represents several clients and
manages several entertainers. Each client schedules any number of engagements and
makes payments to the agent for his or her services. Each entertainer performs several
engagements and may play a variety of musical styles.

ADVANTAGES OF NETWORK MODEL-

The major advantage of network model are-

1.) Conceptual simplicity-Just like the hierarchical model, the network model is also
conceptually simple and easy to design.

2.) Capability to handle more relationship types- The network model can handle the one
to many and many to many relationships which is real help in modeling the real life
situations.

3.) Ease of data access-The data access is easier and flexible than the hierarchical model.

4.) Data integrity- The network model does not allow a member to exist without an
owner.

5.) Data independence- The network model is better than the hierarchical model in
isolating the programs from the complex physical storage details.

6.) Database standards


DIS-ADVANTAGE OF NETWORK MODEL-

1.) System complexity- All the records are maintained using pointers and hence the
whole database structure becomes very complex.

2.) Operational Anomalies- The insertion, deletion and updating operations of any record
require large number of pointers adjustments.

3.) Absence of structural independence-structural changes to the database is very


difficult.

Network Database vs. Hierarchical Database Model

Network Database Model Hierarchical Database Model


Many-to-many relationship One-to-many relationship
Easily accessed because of the linkage between Difficult to navigate because of its strict owner
the information to member connection

Great flexibility among the information files Less flexibility with the collection of
because the multiple relationships among the information because of the hierarchical
files position of the files

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