Network architecture
In computing, network architecture is the design of a computer network.
In telecommunication, the term network architecture has the following meanings:
- The design principles, physical configuration, functional organization, operational procedures, and data formats used as the bases for the design, construction, modification, and operation of a communications network.
- The structure of an existing communications network, including the physical configuration, facilities, operational structure, operational procedures, and the data formats in use.
With the development of distributed computing, the term network architecture has also come to denote classifications and implementations of distributed computing architectures. For example the applications architecture of the telephone network PSTN has been termed the Advanced Intelligent Network. There are any number of specific classifications but all lie on a continuum between the dumb network (e.g. Internet) and the intelligent computer network (e.g. the telephone network PSTN). Other networks contain various elements of these two classical types to make them suitable for various types of applications. Recently the context aware network which is a synthesis of the two has gained much interest with its ability to combine the best elements of both.
Access Methods
The function of methods is to determine how a computer will send data over the cable and how it determines successful delivery or failed delivery. Each machine residing on the computer network must share the same type of access method in order to successfully communicate. To address the issues of collisions on a network a set of rules, channel access methods, have been defined. Channel access methods ensure delivery of packets by preventing more than one computer sending data across the cable that may end in collision. The major types of access methods in networking are contention, lan switching, token passing, demand priority, and polling.
References
- Federal Standard 1037C
- MIL-STD-188
- the seven layer OSI model
- Guide to Networking Essentials[1]
