Computer science computer networks

Paper: CS6T2 : COMPUTER NETWORKS

PROGRAMME:BSC
SUBJECT: COMPUTER SCIENCE
SEMESTER: 6th SEM
SESSION:38

Text book reference:

Douglas E Comer and M.S.Narayana, “Computer Networks and Internets”, 5th edition,
Pearson Education, 2013
Computer science computer networks

Protocols and Layering:

The need for protocols, the seven layers

The Need for Protocols

Application programs need to have a simplified set of commands for using network facilities.
To accomplish that, specialized "protocol software" between application and network
hardware must exist. Protocol software translates simple service requests from applications
into complex sets of commands that operate the network hardware. Protocol software
consolidates complex sets of information and results that come in from the network and
translates them into a format that is easily understood by application programs.

A communications protocol is a set of rules that specify when and how communication shall
be conducted. Protocols may include specifications on such things as language to be used and
message formats. Protocols may stipulate what messages must be sent and when they must
be sent. Protocols may dictate what messages must be answered and what form the answers
must take.

Protocol Suites
The design of protocol software is in many ways a typical software design problem. Well-
known (modular) design guidelines apply: Divide up the work to be done by the software into
small, separate, simple, manageable units, each of which correctly and efficiently performs a
desired set of related operations. Give the units (modules) simple easy-to-use interfaces and
create the software by joining together the units into a coherent whole. Avoid redundancy and
duplication of effort. Build in the required error and exception handling capabilities.
It is customary to design the protocols themselves in a modular fashion. We have
families (suites) of related protocols that are designed to interoperate and cooperate in
performing the overall task of enabling communications. The major units of the protocol
software are modules that implement the individual member protocols of the protocol family.
Each major module may be further subdivided into smaller, more manageable sub modules.

The Seven Layers

In the layering model, the pattern of interaction of the modules is very simple. Each module
(layer)interacts with at most two other layers: the layer "above" and the layer "below."
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defined something called the Seven
Layer Reference Model. This model is often used as an illustrative example of the concept of
a layered protocol software design.
The ISO model is interesting and somewhat useful for illustrative purposes, but it is not
considered a completely practical model.
The names of the seven layers, together with a short description of the assigned function of
each layer follows:
Layer 1: Physical Layer
Moves bits through the basic network hardware. This layer is not software - it is implemented
in the hardware.
Layer 2: Data Link Layer
Organizes data into frames, transmits and receives frames
Layer 3: Network Layer
Handles addressing and routing
Layer 4: Transport Layer
Computer science computer networks

Insures that data reliably gets to its intended destination

Layer 5: Session Layer
Establishes a session -- a sort of virtual connection -- between the source and target software
on the communicating hosts
Layer 6: Presentation Layer
Responsible for translating between different data representations used by communicating
hosts
Layer 7: Applications Layer
This is the interface between the network protocol software and the application that needs to
use the network