Essential Layers of Computer Networking
Bongsik Shin · Auerbach Publications eBooks · 2021
This chapter explains the network architecture and its layers. First of all, communications between network nodes demand precise execution of a number of predefined functions. On the conceptual basis of general layer functions within a standard architecture, specific standards (many of which are protocols) running in each layer are explained. The TCP/IP framework was introduced to facilitate the development of standards for the wildly popular Internet. TCP/IP and OSI architecture models define network functions in terms of two slightly different multi-layer structures in which TCP/IP defines four functional layers and OSI has seven layers. It explains software and/or hardware elements responsible for conducting the layer functions. There are also application layer protocols such as DNS and DHCP that are not necessarily tied to a particular user application but play a critical role in computer networking.