Purchase Solution

Role of Physical, Data Link and Network Layers

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Discuss the role of the physical layer, data link layer, and network layer in network transmissions. For the physical layer, contrast circuit switching and packet switching. For the data link layer, discuss sliding window protocols and the data link layer in the Internet. For the network layer, discuss virtual circuits and datagram, subnets, and the purpose of routing algorithms.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution discusses the role of the physical, data link and network layer in network transmissions. In the case of network layer, circuit and packet switching are compared and contrasted. In the case of data link layer, sliding window protocols are discussed while in the case of network layer, virtual circuits, datagrams, subnets, and purpose of routing algorithms are discussed.

Solution Preview

The physical layer defines the rules by which data are transmitted, such as the number of bits sent per second as well as the physical structure of cables and connectors used (Ciccarelli, Faulkner, & Fitzgerald, 2008). Physical layer is responsible for electrical, mechanical and procedural checks. In circuit switching, a connection is established between two devices on a network before they begin the transmission of data. The key advantage of packet switching is that it allows two devices to exclusively use a communication channel. This characteristic of packet switching makes it ideal for applications including video conferencing. Packet switching on the other hand divides the data into packets before they are transported. The content as well as size of the packet are determined beforehand. Each packet contains data, the destination address as well as information required to combine the packet with other packets in order recreate the message at the destination.
There are several key differences between packet and circuit switching. Packet switching is lot more efficient and faster as compared to circuit switching (Dean, 2003). In contrast to circuit switching, packet switching is not ideally suited for live applications such as video conferencing, as there is a minor time delay associated with ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.

Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Imagine you are a wireless network contractor

    The following table elaborates a bit on each of the seven layers: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link and Physical.

  • OSI model : communication between client and server

    So, the request travels the seven OSI layers at the server end in the order "Physical -> Data Link -> Network -> Transport -> Session -> Presentation -> Application".

  • Data Link layer

    The Data Link Layer resides above the Physical Layer and below the Network Layer. The Data Link Layer is responsible for communications between adjacent network nodes. The Data Link Layer is logically divided into two sub-layers: 1.

  • OSI reference model and TCP/IP protocol architecture

    OSI model has 7 layers, while TCP/IP has 4 layers in which Application, Presentation and Session layers are within Application layer of TCP/IP, and the Data Link and Physical layers are within the Link layer of TCP/IP.

  • OSI Model - Presentation Layer

    The following table elaborates a bit on each of the seven layers: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link and Physical.

  • Functions in the Different Layers of the ISO-OSI

    Physical Layer: This is a physical connection between machines, electrical functional and mechanical spec. 2. Data Link Layer: provides reliable transfer of information across the physical links 3.

  • Network Security: Seven Layers of Open Systems Interconnection

    • Data Link Layer: - the data link layer controls the links i.e. when to send the data and when not to send the data. This layer decides when the link is idle and when not. There are several protocols such as CSMA etc.

  • How Personal and Work Life Differ Due to Networks

    The OSI layers include the physical layer, data link layer, network, transport, session, presentation, and application layers.

  • Importance of OSI

    The requirement for a connectionless protocol also required TCP/IP to combine OSI's physical layer and data link layer into a network level.

View More Related Solutions