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Network Data Model

The Network Data Model is a database model that organizes data as records connected by many-to-many relationships using a graph-like structure. Key concepts include records, sets, links, and schema, which allow for flexible relationships and efficient data access. While it offers advantages such as direct support for complex relationships and data integrity, it also presents challenges like complexity and rigid schema changes.

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2 views

Network Data Model

The Network Data Model is a database model that organizes data as records connected by many-to-many relationships using a graph-like structure. Key concepts include records, sets, links, and schema, which allow for flexible relationships and efficient data access. While it offers advantages such as direct support for complex relationships and data integrity, it also presents challenges like complexity and rigid schema changes.

Uploaded by

wojiton657
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Data Model

The Network Data Model is a database model where data is represented as a collection of
records connected by relationships. Unlike the hierarchical data model, which enforces a
strict tree-like structure, the network data model uses a graph-like structure that allows
many-to-many relationships among data entities.

Key Concepts
1. Records:
• A record represents an entity, similar to a row in a table.
• Each record has fields, which are the attributes of the entity.
2. Sets:
• A set is a relationship between two record types: one acts as the owner, and
the other acts as the member.
• This is analogous to a parent-child relationship but allows multiple ownerships.
3. Links:
• Links represent the connections between records in the model.
• Each record can have multiple links to other records, enabling complex
relationships.
4. Schema:
• The schema defines the structure of the network, including record types, fields,
and relationships.

Features of the Network Data Model


1. Flexible Relationships:
• Supports many-to-many relationships directly without requiring additional
structures like join tables.
2. Graph-Like Structure:
• Data is organized as a graph of nodes (records) and edges (links or
relationships).
3. Owner-Member Relationships:
• Relationships are defined by sets, where the owner is the parent, and the
members are the children.
4. Efficient Data Access:
• Relationships are predefined, so navigation through the network is fast.
5. Data Integrity:
• The model enforces integrity by maintaining predefined links between records.

Example of the Network Data Model


Scenario:
A university database with:
• Entities: Student, Course, Professor.
Representation:
1. Records:
• Student (fields: Student_ID, Name, Major).
• Course (fields: Course_ID, Course_Name).
• Professor (fields: Professor_ID, Name).
2. Relationships (Sets):
• Enrolled (Owner: Course, Member: Student).
• Teaches (Owner: Professor, Member: Course).
Structure:

Course <--- Enrolled ---> Student


Professor <--- Teaches ---> Course

Example Links:
• A Student can enroll in multiple Courses.
• A Course can have multiple Students enrolled.
• A Professor can teach multiple Courses.

Advantages of Network Data Model


1. Many-to-Many Relationships:
• Direct support for many-to-many relationships without additional structures.
2. Data Integrity:
• Relationships are explicitly defined and enforced, reducing redundancy.
3. Efficiency:
• Fast access to data due to predefined links.
4. Flexibility:
• More flexible than the hierarchical model for representing complex
relationships.

Disadvantages of Network Data Model


1. Complexity:
• The structure can become difficult to design and maintain as the database
grows.
2. Rigid Schema:
• Changes in relationships or schema require significant effort.
3. Navigation Dependency:
• Users need to know the data structure and navigate relationships explicitly,
which can be cumbersome.
4. Limited Standardization:
• Unlike relational models, there is no universal query language for network
databases.

Applications of the Network Data Model


1. Banking Systems:
• Handling complex relationships between accounts, transactions, and customers.
2. Telecommunications:
• Managing network routing and resource allocation.
3. Manufacturing Systems:
• Representing product structures and supply chain relationships.
4. Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
• Modeling spatial relationships between geographical entities.
5. Airline Reservation Systems:
• Tracking relationships between flights, passengers, and bookings.

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