Introduction to Routing and Switching Essay

1. Introduction Computer interlockingA computer meshing is a setup which comprises of multiple computers and devices to create attachion in order to support the communication of all such devices. This facilitates sharing of study and resources to all the users present in the intercommunicate. The following ar the main purposes that the network provides to its users Communication- networks throw in free flow of communication among all the users. These include chat, messages, emails, conferences, etc. Sharing of Resources Resources can be shared among all the users within a network. These includeo Hardware The different computers in a network can also make use of a whizz ironware attached to the network. Consider the typeface 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 software application programs through their computerso Files and other data Files and d ata 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 layers of the OSI model which are briefly discussed belowPhysical layerThis 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 layer of the OSI model.Data link LayerThis 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 tract is the responsibility of the network layer which can include multiple links. Network layer can be employ in cases of multiple networks where there are some links surrounded by the networks. Routers operate at the Network layer of the OSI model.Transport LayerThe transport layer is also responsible for delivery of packets merely 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.Presentation LayerThis layer is also one of the most primal 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 interconnect devices (Sosinsky 33)3.1 Network Interface Cards (NICs)These are the components used to connect to another networking medium. The NIC has a unique identification number known as Media Acce ss Control 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 higher up 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 direct 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 censure 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 layer to get the sources and destination. here(predicate) the Routing Protoc ols are used.Routers also use the routing tables to decide the destination of the packets. The routing tables include Address information Connection Priorities Traffic RulesRouting differs in its delivery schemes which include the following legal transfer 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)