Ch. 1: Introduction to Networking

Question 1

adjacent-layer interaction

Answer 1

The general topic of how, on one computer, two adjacent layers in a networking architectural model work together, with the lower layer providing services to the higher layer.

Question 2

de-encapsulation

Answer 2

On a computer that receives data over a network, the process in which the device interprets the lower-layer headers and, when finished with each header, removes the header, revealing the next-higher-layer PDU.

Question 3

encapsulation

Answer 3

The placement of data from a higher-layer protocol behind the header (and in some cases, between a header and trailer) of the next-lower-layer protocol. For example, an IP packet could be encapsulated in an Ethernet header and trailer before being sent over an Ethernet.

Question 4

frame

Answer 4

A term referring to a data-link header and trailer, plus the data encapsulated between the header and trailer.

Question 5

networking model

Answer 5

A generic term referring to any set of protocols and standards collected into a comprehensive grouping that, when followed by the devices in a network, allows all the devices to communicate. Examples include TCP/IP and OSI.

Question 6

packet

Answer 6

A logical grouping of bytes that includes the network layer header and encapsulated data, but specifically does not include any headers and trailers below the network layer.

Question 7

protocol data unit (PDU)

Answer 7

A generic term referring to the header defined by some layer of a networking model, and the data encapsulated by the header (and possibly trailer) of that layer, but specifically not including any lower-layer headers and trailers.

Question 8

same-layer interaction

Answer 8

The communication between two networking devices for the purposes of the functions defined at a particular layer of a networking model, with that communication happening by using a header defined by that layer of the model. The two devices set values in the header, send the header and encapsulated data, with the receiving devices interpreting the header to decide what action to take.

Question 9

segment

Answer 9

In TCP, a term used to describe a TCP header and its encapsulated data (also called an L4PDU). Also in TCP, the process of accepting a large chunk of data from the application layer and breaking it into smaller pieces that fit into TCP segments. In Ethernet, a segment is either a single Ethernet cable or a single collision domain (no matter how many cables are used).