In computer architecture and data communications, what is a “bus” most accurately defined as when discussing device interconnection on a system board or backplane?

Introduction / Context:
The term “bus” appears in both computer architecture and local communications contexts. On a motherboard or backplane, a bus is a shared pathway that multiple components use to send or receive signals. Clarity on this definition helps distinguish it from related but different concepts like carriers, collisions, and general networks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Scope is device interconnection within a system or local segment.
• We are not describing radio carriers or abstract network collections.
• We seek the precise, classical definition used in textbooks and standards.

Concept / Approach:
A bus comprises conductors (traces or wires) shared by multiple devices for data, address, or control signaling. Examples include PCIe (logically switched fabric but conceptually descended from the bus idea), legacy PCI, and memory buses. The defining feature is shared connectivity through common conductors rather than point-to-point dedicated pairs for each device.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Classical buses like ISA or S-100 literally exposed parallel signals on a backplane. Even modern serial interconnects keep the “bus” naming convention to indicate a shared medium or common wiring standard, confirming the correctness of the definition provided.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Continuous frequency: describes a carrier wave, not a wiring interconnect.
• Two stations attempting same channel: describes a collision event, not a bus itself.
• Collection of networked units: overly broad and better describes a network than a bus.
• None: incorrect because (a) is the accepted definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “bus” with “network” generically; assuming collisions define a bus (they can occur on shared buses but are not the definition).

Final Answer:
One or more conductors that serve as a common connection for a related group of devices