Computer Networking: Internet Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the Internet's structure?

  • A linear network where each device is connected directly to a single central server.
  • A closed system where communication is limited to devices within the same physical location.
  • A hierarchical system with a central governing body overseeing all network activity.
  • A network of networks, interconnected through Internet Service Providers (ISPs). (correct)

What is the primary role of 'packet switches' within the structure of the Internet?

  • To encrypt data for secure transmission.
  • To regulate the speed of data transmission across the network.
  • To forward packets (chunks of data) to their intended destinations. (correct)
  • To manage and allocate IP addresses to devices.

Which of the following best describes the function of protocols in the context of computer networks?

  • Protocols dictate the physical arrangement of network cables and hardware.
  • Protocols are guidelines for ethical online behavior, not technical specifications.
  • Protocols govern all communication activity in the Internet, defining the format, order, and actions taken during message transmission and receipt. (correct)
  • Protocols are only relevant for human-to-human communication, such as email.

In the context of Internet terminology, what are 'hosts'?

<p>End systems that run network applications, such as computers and smartphones. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a communication link's characteristic that affects its performance?

<p>The transmission rate, also known as bandwidth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Internet provide services to applications?

<p>By providing a programming interface that allows applications to 'connect' and use Internet transport services. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered elements of the 'network edge'?

<p>Hosts, access networks, and physical media. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do Internet standards, such as RFCs and those developed by the IETF, play in the Internet's operation?

<p>They define the technical protocols and specifications that allow different networks and devices to interoperate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 'network protocols' from 'human protocols'?

<p>Network protocols govern communication between devices, while human protocols govern communication between people. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of 'access networks'?

<p>They connect end systems to the edge router. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DSLAM in DSL technology?

<p>It splits DSL internet and phone signals at the central office. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dedicated downstream transmission rate does DSL offer?

<p>24-52 Mbps. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a wireless access network?

<p>WiFi. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Enterprise networks often utilize a mix of which two types of link technologies?

<p>Wired (Ethernet) and wireless (WiFi). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of data center networks in terms of bandwidth?

<p>Data center networks have high-bandwidth connections (10s to 100s Gbps) to connect thousands of servers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of data transmission, what does 'transmission rate' refer to?

<p>The speed at which data is transmitted over a link, often referred to as bandwidth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of hosts in the Internet "nuts and bolts" view?

<p>To run network applications at the Internet's edge. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'network core' in the Internet structure?

<p>It handles high-speed packet/circuit switching and provides Internet structure via interconnected routers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an 'institutional access network'?

<p>A network at a school or company. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of the Internet Infrastructure that provides services to applications?

<p>Email, games, e-commerce. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Internet Hosts

Computing devices connected to the internet, like computers, smartphones, and IoT devices.

Packet Switches

Devices that forward data packets across the Internet. Examples include routers and switches.

Communication Links

Physical pathways for data transmission, including fiber, copper, radio waves; characterized by bandwidth.

Networks

Collections of interconnected devices, routers, and links, managed by an organization.

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Internet

Interconnected ISPs that communicate using protocols, enabling global data exchange.

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Network Protocols

Rules that govern communication, specifying format, order of messages, and actions upon transmission/receipt.

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Network Edge

Clients, servers, and data centers form the edge of the network.

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Access Networks

Residential, institutional, and mobile networks connect end systems to the edge router.

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Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Uses existing telephone network; data transmitted at different frequencies; dedicated downstream and upstream rates.

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Home Networks

Include a modem, router, firewall, and wireless access point.

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Wireless LANs (WLANs)

Connects end systems to router through base station or 'access point'.

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Wide-Area Cellular Networks

Provided by mobile, cellular network operators over larger areas.

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Data Center Networks

Connect hundreds/thousands of servers with high-bandwidth links; crucial for Internet services.

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Enterprise Networks

Used by Companies and universities. Includes mixed wired/wireless connections: Ethernet, Wifi.

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Host Sending Function

Breaks app messages into packets, transmits into access network at rate R.

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Packet Transmission Delay

Time needed to transmit an L-bit packet into a link.

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Link Bandwidth

Rate of data transfer on a link; affects transmission delay.

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Transmission Rate (R)

The rate at which a host transmits packets onto the network.

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Study Notes

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Chapter 1 Goal

  • Getting a "feel" and the "big picture" understanding the terminology of computer networking
  • More depth and detail to follow later in the course

Overview/Roadmap

  • Defining the Internet and what constitutes a protocol
  • Understanding the network edge: including hosts, access networks, and physical media
  • Discussing the network core: packet/circuit switching and Internet structure
  • Looking into network performance: loss, delay, and throughput
  • Examining protocol layers and service models
  • Covering security aspects and the history of networking

The Internet: Nuts and Bolts View

  • The Internet consists of billions of connected computing devices
  • "Hosts," also known as end systems, run network applications at the Internet's edge
  • Packet switches forward packets (chunks of data), including routers and switches
  • Communication links are made of fiber, copper, radio, and satellite
  • Bandwidth is the transmission rate of communication links
  • Networks are collections of devices, routers, and links managed by an organization

"Fun" Internet-Connected Devices

  • The Internet connects a wide array of devices, not just computers and smartphones
  • Internet-connected devices: Amazon Echo, IP picture frames, security cameras, internet refrigerators, gaming devices, pacemakers & monitors, web-enabled toasters, sensorized beds, and bikes

The Internet: Nuts and Bolts View (continued)

  • The Internet is a "network of networks" of interconnected Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  • "Protocols" are everywhere, controlling the sending and receiving of messages
  • Examples: HTTP (Web), streaming video, Skype, TCP, IP, WiFi, 4/5G, Ethernet
  • Internet standards of Request for Comments(RFC) and Internet Engineering Task Force(IETF)

The Internet: a “services” view

  • The infrastructure provides services to applications: Web, streaming video, multimedia teleconferencing, email, games, e-commerce, social media, inter-connected appliances
  • The infrastructure "hooks" allow distributed apps to connect and the internet transports service

Protocols

  • Human protocols involve questions, introductions and responses
  • Network protocols are used by devices and govern all communication activity on the Internet
  • Protocols define the format and order of messages sent and received among network entities

Chapter 1 Roadmap

  • Covers the Internet, protocols, network edge, network core, performance, security, protocol layers, service models, and history

Internet Structure

  • The network edge consists of hosts (clients and servers, often in data centers)
  • Access networks and physical media include wired/wireless communication links
  • The network core includes interconnected routers

Internet Access

  • Connecting end systems to the edge router is done via residential access, institutional access (school, company), and mobile access networks (WiFi, 4G/5G)

Digital Subscriber Line

  • DSL uses existing telephone lines to connect to the DSLAM in a central office
  • Data goes to the Internet, and voice goes to the telephone net
  • Dedicated downstream transmission rate: 24-52 Mbps
  • Dedicated upstream transmission rate: 3.5-16 Mbps

Home Networks

  • Feature wireless and wired devices
  • There is a combined single box consisting of cable or DSL modem, router, firewall, and NAT
  • WiFi wireless access point (54, 450 Mbps)
  • Wired Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Shared Wireless access network

  • Connects end systems to a router via a base station/"access point"

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)

  • Typically within or around a building (~100 ft)
  • Common standard: 802.11b/g/n (WiFi)
  • Transmission rates: 11, 54, 450 Mbps

Wide-Area Cellular Access Networks

  • Provided by mobile, cellular network operators (10's km)
  • Rates: 10's Mbps
  • 4G/5G cellular networks

Enterprise Networks

  • Used by companies and universities
  • Mix of wired/wireless link technologies
  • Ethernet: wired access at 100Mbps, 1Gbps, 10Gbps
  • WiFi: wireless access points at 11, 54, 450 Mbps

Data Center Networks

  • Feature high-bandwidth links (10s to 100s Gbps) that connect hundreds/thousands of servers to each other and the Internet

Host Packet Transfers

  • Hosts send packets of data
  • The host sending function takes the application message and breaks into smaller chunks (packets)
  • Packets have a a length (L bits)
  • Packets transmit in the access network
  • Transmission rate: Link transmission rate/capacity/bandwidth (R)
  • transmission delay = time needed to transmit L-bit packet into link = L (bits) / R (bits/sec)

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