Unit Computer Network.pptVIP

Unit 8Computer Network Section A Network Fundamentals The underlying software required to support such applications has grown from simple utility packages into an expanding system of network software that provides a sophisticated network wide infrastructure. I. Network Classifications The internet is an open system. In particular, communication throughout the Internet is governed by an open collection of standards known as the TCP/IP protocol suite. Anyone is free to use these standards without paying fees or signing license agreements. II. Protocols For a network to function reliably, it is important to establish rules by which network activities are conducted. Such rules are called protocols. To solve this problem, a unique bit pattern, called a token, is passed around the ring. Possession of this token gives a machine the authority to transmit its own messages; without a token, a machine is only allowed to forward messages. The result is a system similar to that used by a small group of people in a conversation. If two people start to talk at once, they both stop. III. Interprocess Communication The various activities (or process) executing on the different computers within a network (or even executing on the same machine via time sharing) must often communicate with each other to coordinate their actions and to perform their designated tasks. Such communication between processes is called interprocess communication. An early application of the client/server model appeared in networks connecting all the computers in a cluster of offices. In this situation, a single, high-quality printer was attched to the network where it was available to all the machines in the network. In this case the printer played the role of a server (often called a printer server), and the other machines were programmed to play the role of the clients that sent print requests to the print server. Another early application of the client/server model was used to reduce