NetworkLayerI Flashcards
What is the main role of the network layer?
To move packets from source to destination across multiple networks.
What is forwarding?
The local action of transferring a packet from an input link to the appropriate output link at a router.
What is routing?
The process of determining the path a packet should take across the network.
Difference between forwarding and routing?
Forwarding moves packets between routers; routing determines the path taken through the network.
What are the two main network layer functions?
Data plane (forwarding) and control plane (routing).
What is a router’s forwarding table?
A table that maps destination addresses to output links.
In traditional routing, where are forwarding tables computed?
Inside each router using distributed routing algorithms.
In SDN (Software Defined Networking), where are forwarding tables computed?
By a centralized controller.
What is the role of a switching fabric?
It connects a router’s input ports to its output ports.
Name two types of routing algorithms.
Link-state and distance-vector algorithms.
