Communication in Computer Networks

This chapter continues to build the content from the previous chapter. Thus, in this chapter, you will get to know more concepts and definitions about computer networks. We will begin with how computers communicate, where concepts such as message encoding, formatting and encapsulation, and size and timing are explained. Then, message delivery types and types of communication channels will be discussed. Afterwards, we will continue with detailed explanations about communication protocols, OSI and TCP/IP models, and OSI layers and their protocols. The chapter also discusses the Ethernet as the most popular communication technology for LANs, as well as the Ethernet's history, protocols, frame, and Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. Finally, this chapter will conclude with a discussion about IP addressing technologies such as IPv4 and IPv6, and IPv4 and IPv6 subnetting. To facilitate the understanding of the many concepts and definitions covered in this chapter, a large amount of relevant figures will be included.

In this chapter, we will cover:

• Understanding how computers communicate
• Understanding message delivery types
• Understanding types of communication channels
• Understanding communication protocols
• Understanding OSI and TCP/IP models
• Understanding OSI layers and their protocols
• Understanding Ethernet communication technology
• Understanding IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
• Understanding IPv4 and IPv6 subnetting