A network structure allows 1:1, l:M, or relationships among entities. For example, an auto parts shop may dealings with more than one automaker (parent). Now consider the automaker and the auto parts shops it deals with. If the automaker sold spare parts to only one shop (say, a new car dealer), then there is a 1:1 relationship. If it supplied many other dealers, then there is a 1:M relationship. The 1:1 and 1;M relationships can be supplied by a hierarchy. When auto parts dealers are supplied by many automakers, however, there is an M:M relationship, which is a network structure.
A network structure reflects the real world, although a program structure can become complex. The solution is to separate the network into several hierarchies with duplicates. This simplifies the relationship to no more complex than 1:M. A hierarchy, then, becomes a sub view of the network structure. The simplified network structure is shown.
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