Protocols

Network Layer

The network layer is responsible for ensuring that every pair of hosts on the network can communicate with each other. It is the lowest layer in the reference models that deals with end-to-end transmission. If the hosts are on separate LANs, this involves finding a path for the data packets through intermediate nodes. To perform this task, the network layer must possess knowledge of the entire network topology; therefore, the equipment on the network must somehow exchange network layer identification information, typically the network addresses. This information is exchanged using neighbor greeting protocols and routing protocols. Neighbor greeting protocols are used by devices on the same LAN to exchange network layer information, while routing protocols are concerned with messages between routers and their associated routing algorithms. A specific neighbor greeting protocol is typically paired in a network with a particular routing protocol. The netWorks application provides simulations of two protocols for each of these categories.

Network Layer

Network Addresses

Neighbor Greeting Protocols

Routing Protocols