Layered Architectures & Protocol Stacks
Layered architectures are a way to organize computer networks. Let's dive right in!
Introduction to Layered Architectures
When building a large complex system, it helps to approach the problem at gradually increasing levels of abstraction. Thus, systems can be composed of layers, each performing a specific set of tasks.
Why Layers?
Layered architectures give us modularity by allowing us to discuss specific, well-defined parts of larger systems. This makes changing implementation-level details and identifying bugs easier.
An Analogy: Post
Before we dive deep into different models of the network layer stack, let’s look at an interesting analogy.
Think about posting a letter or a package. The general steps to doing so are as follows,
Notice that a few things are in parallel with computer networking here. Here are some examples of how that is the case:
Layers As Services To Each Other: Layers Are Vertical
Each layer provides some services to the layer above it. Furthermore, the layer above is not concerned with the details of how the layer below performs its services. This is called abstraction. So in this way, the ...