Advanced Computer Networks
A computer network is a system of interconnected devices, such as
computers, servers, smartphones, and printers, that communicate to
exchange data. They communicate using wired or wireless connections
and can range from small home networks to the global Internet.
Network Devices
Network Devices (or networking hardware) are the physical appliances
required for communication and interaction between computers on a
computer network.
They act as the "plumbing" of the internet, directing data traffic, amplifying
signals, and securing connections. To understand how they work, we must
categorize them by the layer of the OSI Model they operate on.
Types of Network Devices
Note: Depending on their functionality, these devices perform tasks such
as signal regeneration, frame forwarding, packet switching, routing,
protocol conversion, and access control to ensure reliable, efficient, and
secure communication.
Functions of Network Devices
Enable communication by transmitting and receiving data between
devices.
Allow devices to connect to networks efficiently and securely.
Improve network performance by reducing congestion and managing
traffic.
Provide security by controlling access and preventing unauthorized
activities.
Extend network coverage and solve signal loss or attenuation problems.
Application Layer in OSI Model
The Application Layer is the topmost layer (Layer 7) of the OSI Model that
enables direct interaction between end-user applications and the network.
Closest layer to the end user
Provides network services to applications
Enables file transfer, email, web access, and remote login
Acts as an interface between user software and the network
Application Layer in OSI Model
Note: It provides essential services such as file transfer, remote login,
electronic mail, directory services, name resolution and network resource
sharing, making it indispensable for modern communication.
Functions of Application Layer
As the highest layer, the Application Layer performs several functions to
ensure smooth communication between applications and systems:
1. Data Representation
Ensures that data is presented in a format that both the sender and
receiver can understand.
Converts user-entered information into a standard format before
transmission and interprets received data back into a user-friendly
form.
Example: Converting text, images or files into network-compatible
formats like ASCII, JPEG or HTML.
[Link] Service Access
Provides access to various network services directly to the user.
Allows applications like email, file transfer and remote login to interact
with the underlying network.
Example: Using email clients (Outlook, Gmail) to access mail services
or using FTP to download/upload files.
3. Application Protocols
Defines a set of rules and procedures that applications use to
communicate over a network.
These protocols handle message formatting, data exchange and
service requests.
Example: HTTP for web browsing, FTP for file transfer, SMTP for
emails, DNS for domain name resolution.
4. Session Management
Establishes, manages and terminates communication sessions
between applications.
Maintains synchronization during data exchange and ensures a proper
connection is closed after the communication ends.
Example: Logging into a remote server using Telnet or SSH, where a
session is created and terminated after logout.
Working of Application Layer
Once the data exchange is complete, the client or server can terminate
Working of Application Layer
At first, client sends a command to server and when server receives
that command, it allocates port number to client.
Thereafter, the client sends an initiation connection request to server
and when server receives request, it gives acknowledgement (ACK) to
client through client has successfully established a connection with the
server.
Therefore, now client has access to server through which it may either
ask server to send any types of files or other documents or it may
upload some files or documents on server itself.
Services Provided by Application Layer Protocols
The following are some of the services which are provided by Application
layer protocols-
The Application Layer protocol defines process for both parties which
are involved in communication.
These protocols define the type of message being sent or received
from any side (either source host or destination host).
These protocols also define basic syntax of the message being
forwarded or retrieved.
These protocols define the way to send a message and the expected
response.
These protocols also define interaction with the next level.
Read in detail about Services Provided by Application Layer .
Protocols of the Application Layer
The application layer provides several protocols which allow any software
to easily send and receive information and present meaningful data to its
users. The following are some of the application layer protocols.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): Used for web communication
(Port 80).
DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names into IP
addresses (Port 53).
TELNET: Provides remote login and file management services (Port
23).
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Assigns IP
addresses to hosts dynamically (Ports 67 & 68).
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Facilitates file transfer between systems
(Ports 20 for data, 21 for control).
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Handles sending of emails
(Ports 25 & 587).
NFS (Network File System): Enables remote access to files as if they
were local (Port 2049).
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): Manages and
monitors devices in a network (Ports 161 & 162).