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: ...