knooppunt

Knooppunt is a Dutch term meaning a point where two or more routes, lines, or networks come together, functioning as a junction or hub. The word is a compounding of knoop (knot) and punt (point).

In road transport, knooppunt refers to a junction within the road network, often involving grade separation such as flyovers or ramps to allow traffic to diverge and merge without stopping. These interchanges are designed to manage high traffic volumes and minimize conflicts between directions. The Netherlands, with its dense motorway network, contains numerous knooppunten that connect national and regional roads and improve travel efficiency.

In rail transport, knooppunt denotes junctions where railway lines converge or diverge, enabling transfers between routes or services. Such knooppunten may include switches, crossovers, and yards; their design balances safety, capacity, and speed.

In information and communications technology, knooppunt can be used to describe a node or exchange point where multiple data paths meet, such as network hubs or Internet exchange points, serving to route traffic efficiently between networks.

Overall, knooppunt is a general term for a junction or hub in various systems, conveying the idea of connectivity and transfer between different routes or networks.