Non-broadcast multiple-access network

A non-broadcast multiple access network (NBMA) is a computer network to which multiple hosts are attached, but data is transmitted only directly from one computer to another single host over a virtual circuit or across a switched fabric. NBMA networks do support multicast or broadcast traffic manually (pseudo-broadcasts). Some common examples of nonbroadcast network technologies include Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, X.25, and home power line networking.

Power line networks

The ITU-T G.hn standard provides a specification for creating a high-speed (up to 1 Gigabit/s) local area network using existing home power lines, phone lines and coaxial cables.

Because of multipath propagation, power lines use frequency-selective channels. Channel frequency response is different for each pair of transmitter and receiver, so modulation parameters are unique for each transmitter and receiver pair. Since each pair of devices uses a different modulation scheme for communication, other devices may not be able to demodulate the information sent between them.

Split horizon route advertisement

In NBMA networks a special technique called split horizon route advertisement must be employed by distance-vector routing protocols in order to prevent routing loops. This family of protocols relies on link layer broadcasting for route advertisement propagation, so when this feature is absent, it has to be emulated with a series of unicast transmissions, which may result in a receiver node sending a route advertisement back to the node it has just received it from.

See also

• Open Shortest Path First
• Routing protocol