Network Data Model (DBMS)
Introduction
The Network Data Model is a database model in which data is organized using a graph
structure. In this model, a record can have multiple parents and multiple children. It is an
extension of the hierarchical model and supports many-to-many relationships.
Structure of Network Model
Data is stored as records (nodes)
Relationships are represented by links (edges)
A child record can have more than one parent
Uses set-type relationships
Structure looks like a network or graph
Example
In a college database:
One student can enroll in many courses
One course can have many students
This many-to-many relationship is easily handled by the network model.
Features
Supports many-to-many relationships
Flexible compared to hierarchical model
Data is connected using pointers
Records can be accessed through multiple paths
Advantages
1. Supports complex relationships
2. Reduces data redundancy
3. Faster data access
4. More flexible structure
5. Efficient for large databases
Disadvantages
1. Complex to understand
2. Difficult to design and maintain
3. Requires skilled programmers
4. Structural changes are hard
5. Not user-friendly
Applications
Banking systems
Airline reservation systems
Telecommunication networks
Inventory management
University databases
Comparison with Hierarchical Model
Feature Hierarchical Model Network Model
Structure Tree Graph
Parents One Many
Relationship One-to-many Many-to-many
Flexibility Low High
Conclusion
The Network Data Model is powerful and flexible, especially for complex relationships.
However, due to its complexity, it has been largely replaced by the Relational Model in
modern database systems.
What is the Network Model?
The network model is a type of database model where data is organized as a graph rather
than a table or a strict hierarchy.
Data is stored as records (nodes)
Relationships are stored as links (edges)
A record can have multiple parents and multiple children
That last point is the big difference from the hierarchical model.
Explaining the Given Diagram
Think of the diagram as a store database.
Entities (Records)
Store
Customer
Manager
Salesman
Order
Items
Each box represents a record type.
Relationships (Links)
Store → Customer, Manager, Salesman
A store is connected to many customers, managers, and salesmen.
Customer → Order
A customer can place many orders.
Manager → Order
A manager can manage or approve many orders.
Salesman → Order
A salesman can handle multiple orders.
Salesman → Items
A salesman can sell many items.
🔑 Key idea:
An Order is linked to Customer, Manager, and Salesman at the same time → this shows
many-to-many relationships, which the network model handles naturally.
Why Use the Network Model?
Advantages ✅
Supports complex relationships
Faster access because links are predefined
Good for real-world systems like sales, inventory, telecom, banking
Disadvantages ❌
Complex to design and maintain
Requires users to understand database structure
Less flexible than modern relational databases
In One Line (Perfect for Exams)
The network model represents data as records connected by links, allowing many-to-many
relationships, where a record can have multiple parents and children.