Directionality

Scope

This page describes the different "directionality" types which can be use in a topology.

The property "directionality" supports different values depending on the object class.

Topology and Edge

The object classes "Topology" and "Edge" share the same definition and values of the property "directionality".

directionality : =

• bidirectional
  
  • A bidirectional "Topology" contains unidirectional and/or bidirectional nodes and edges
  • A bidirectional "Edge" serves in a telecommunication context can support traffic in both directions.
• unidirectional
  • A unidirectional "Topology" contains  only unidirectional nodes and edge
  • A unidirectional "Edge" serves in a telecommunication context supports traffic in one direction only.

Node

Also nodes can be divided into "unidirectional" and "bidirectional" nodes. However, for unidirectional nodes it is important to know whether the nodes is the source or the sink of the related "Edge". 

directionality : =

• bidirectional
  
  • A bidirectional "Node" can act as "sink" and/or as "source"
• sink
  • A unidirectional "Node" with directionality "sink" is in context of telecommunication the receiver of a signal. Sometimes also the label "out" is applied. 
• source 
  • .A unidirectional "Node" with directionality "sink" is in context of telecommunication the transmitter of a signal. Sometimes also the label "out" is applied. 

Combination of Nodes and Edges with certain directionalities

This chapter discusses the different combinations of Nodes and Edges depending on their directionality.