Early networks used simple point-to-point communication. In such a method of communication every communication channel connects exactly two devices. In this way it prepares a mesh or point-to-point network, which is given in the figure below.

ADVANTAGES:

Direct point-to-point communication has the given advantages:

• The connection type of individual connections may be distinct.
• Individual connections may select a different frame format and error detection function etc.
• It is easy to enforce privacy and security.

DISADVANTAGES:

Direct point-to-point communication has the given disadvantages:

• The no. of connections increase more rapidly than the no. of computers
• For 'n' devices connections = (n^2 - n)/2.
• Most computers use the similar physical path.
• Direct point-to-point communication is costly due to a no. of connections.
• Another disadvantage is that adding a new device to the network needs N-1 new connections as given in the above figure.