Introduction to Routing and Switching Essay Example for Free

Introduction to Routing and Switching Essay1. Introduction Computer NetworkA computer profit is a setup which comprises of multiple computers and devices to create connection in order to support the communication of all in all such devices. This facilitates sharing of information and resources to all the usancers stick in in the network. The succeeding(a) are the main purposes that the network provides to its users Communication- networks allow free flow of communication among all the users. These include chat, messages, emails, conferences, etc. Sharing of Resources Resources shadow be shared among all the users at bottom a network. These includeo ironware The different computers in a network can excessively make use of a single hardware attached to the network. Consider the example of a shared printer attached to multiple devices in the network like in case of a university or office environment.o Software- Network also allows users to share package application pro grams through their computerso Files and other selective information Files and data can be shared among systems in a network environment through authorized access. This helps members to work and submit tasks on the same domain and within deadlines, thus saving from hassles.2. The Open Systems Interconnection OSI ModelThe hardware components of the network operate at the stratums of the OSI model which are briefly discussed belowPhysical bedThis is concerned with the functions that carry a stream of bits over a physical medium at the mechanical and electrical level. Hubs and Repeaters operate at the physical bed of the OSI model.selective information link bottomThis layer categorizes data from network layer (upper layer) into frames and handles errors of the physical layer to provide to the network layer. The Bridges operate at the Data link layer of the OSI Model.Network LayerThe delivery of the packet is the responsibility of the network layer which can include multiple links. Network layer can be used in cases of multiple networks where there are some links between the networks. Routers operate at the Network layer of the OSI model.Transport LayerThe transport layer is also responsible for delivery of packets but it also recognizes relationship between messages. This is done in proper order and the layer also ensures control of error and flow at the source as well as the destination.Session LayerThis layer controls dialog and synchronizes interaction within the network. show LayerThis layer is also one of the most important layers as it is looks into the syntax and semantics of the data being transferred within the network.Application LayerThis layer involves interfaces and other supporting frames for the user to access the network.3. Hardware Components within a NetworkThe following re the basic hardware components within a network to join devices (Sosinsky 33)3.1 Network Interface Cards (NICs)These are the components used to connect to another networ king medium. The NIC has a unique identification number known as Media Access view as address (MAC address) that is provided by the manufacturer.3.2 RepeatersRepeater is a device used to transmit signals after cleaning them by regenerating the original bit pattern.3.3 HubsHub connects multiple devices in the network so that they appear as a single device, therefore, it has multiple ports.3.4 BridgesThese are also hardware components that connect multiple segments of the network.4. Network Hardware Components Routers and SwitchesRouters and switches are important components of the computer network that support the above mentioned purpose of a network. These are discussed in details as under4.1 RoutersRouter is a software or device that helps in transmitting data between users in a predefined manner, thus helping in serving the purpose of the network. The data is in the form of packets that travels along the network, where the routers process the data present in the packet. In many cases there is a pre-defined forwarding or routing table used to turn to the information to the appropriate destination (Beasley 62).The main tasks of the routers include Ensures information forwarding to the required destination Keeps track and avoids information from reaching where not needed4.1.1 CharacteristicsThe following are the characteristics of Routers The routers correspond to internet Protocols such as the internet Protocol, internet Control message Protocol, etc. Provides interfaces between the packet networks through the required functions Sends and receives datagrams Chooses destination for the datagram according to the routing database Provides support facilities for network management which includes status and exception reporting, debugging, etc.4.1.2 RoutingRouting is the process of sharing information by connecting networks and translating protocols between them. It functions at the network layer of the OSI model, acquiring addresses from the IP header of the lay er to get the sources and destination. Here the Routing Protocols are used.Routers also use the routing tables to decide the destination of the packets. The routing tables include Address information conjunctive Priorities Traffic RulesRouting differs in its delivery schemes which include the following Delivery to a single node (unicast) where the node is predefined. Delivery to multiple specified nodes (multicast) Delivery to all the nodes that are part of the network (Broadcast)