Kabale University

Layered network architecture, protocols,

interfaces, services

Miss Wafula Belvin (BIT, Oracle)

[email protected]
+256-764602944
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 What is a Layered
Architecture?

• Layered architecture in computer networks refers

to the division of a network’s functionality into
distinct layers, each responsible for specific
communication components.
• The primary goal of this approach is to simplify
network communication by breaking it into
manageable sub-tasks.
• Each layer operates independently and interacts
with the adjacent layers without affecting their
implementation. 3-2
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 Features of Layered Architecture

• Modularity: Divides the complex network system into smaller,

manageable tasks.
• Independence: Each layer provides services to the higher layer
without requiring details on implementation.
• Simplified Design: Large, unmanageable processes are segmented
into smaller tasks for easier development.
• Interface Abstraction: Each layer has a distinct interface that
allows smooth communication between them.
• Easy Modification: Changes made to one layer do not impact the
other layers.
• Scalability: Supports expansion by adding new layers or protocols
while maintaining system functionality.
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 Elements of Layered Architecture

• There are three different types of elements of a layered

architecture. They are described below:
• Service: Service is defined as a set of functions and tasks being
provided by a lower layer to a higher layer. Each layer performs a
different type of task. Therefore, actions provided by each layer
are different.
• Protocol: Protocol is defined as a set rule used by the layer for
exchanging and transmission of data with its peer entities. These
rules can consists details regarding a type of content and their
order passed from one layer to another.
• Interface: Interface is defined as a channel that allows to
transmit the messages from one layer to the another.
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 Need/Significancy of Layered Architecture

• Divide and Conquer Approach: Layered architecture supports divide and conquer
approach. The unmanageable and complex task is further divided into smaller sub tasks. Each
sub task is then carried out by the different layer. Therefore, using this approach reduces the
complexity of the problem or design process.
• Easy to Modify: The layers are independent of each other in layered architecture. If any
sudden change occurs in the implementation of one layer, it can be changed. This change
does not affect the working of other layers involved in the task. Therefore, layered
architectures are required to perform any sudden update or change.
• Modularity: Layered architecture is more modular as compared to other architecture models
in computer network. Modularity provides with more independence between the layers and
are easier to understand.
• Easy to Test: Each layer in layered architecture performs a different and dedicated task.
Therefore, each layer can be analyzed and tested individually. It helps to analyze the problem
and solve them more efficiently as compared to solving all the problems at a time.
• Security: Enables the implementation of security measures at different levels.
• Efficiency: Optimizes resource allocation by assigning specific roles to each layer.
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 Application of Layered Architecture in computer
Networks

• In computer networks, layered architecture is majorly used

for communication. The two network models that makes use
of layered architecture are:
1.OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection): A seven-
layer model facilitating standardized communication.
2.TCP/IP Model: A four-layer model specifically designed for
internet communication.

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Application of Layered Architecture in computer
Networks

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 THE OSI MODEL

• Established in 1947, the International Standards Organization

(ISO) is a multinational body dedicated to worldwide agreement
on international standards. An ISO standard that covers all
aspects of network communications is the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) model. It was first introduced in the late
1970s.
• The OSI reference model
• Used to discuss, think about, and design protocols - very seldom
used as an implementation
• It was tried, but it is usually too complex
• Peer protocols are protocols in the same layer
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Seven layers of the OSI model

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 LAYERS IN THE OSI MODEL

• In this section we briefly describe the functions of each layer in the OSI model.

Topics discussed in this section:

Physical Layer
Data Link Layer
Network Layer
Transport Layer
Session Layer
Presentation Layer
Application Layer
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 Layers of OSI model

• Physical Layer: Manages the physical connection between

devices, transmitting data in bits.
• Data Link Layer: Ensures error-free communication between
directly connected nodes.
• Network Layer: Handles data transmission across different
networks using logical addressing.

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 Layers of OSI model

• Transport Layer: Manages reliable data transmission

between devices.
• Session Layer: Establishes, manages, and terminates
communication sessions.
• Presentation Layer: Performs encryption, decryption,
compression, and translation of data.
• Application Layer: Provides network services such as email,
web browsing, and file transfers.

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Summary of layers

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 TCP/IP PROTOCOL
• The layers in the TCP/IP protocol suite do not
exactly match those in the OSI model. The
original TCP/IP protocol suite was defined as
having four layers: host-to-network, internet,
transport, and application. However, when
TCP/IP is compared to OSI, we can say that the
TCP/IP protocol suite is made of five layers:
physical, data link, network, transport, and
application.
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 Layer of TCP/IP model

• Network Access Layer: Handles data framing and

physical transmission.
• Internet Layer: Responsible for logical addressing,
routing, and packet forwarding (e.g., IP, ICMP, ARP).
• Transport Layer: Ensures end-to-end
communication (e.g., TCP, UDP).
• Application Layer: Provides services like HTTP, FTP,
DNS, SSH, and NTP
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Figure 2.16 TCP/IP and OSI model

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 2-5 ADDRESSING

• Four levels of addresses are used in an internet

employing the TCP/IP protocols: physical, logical,
port, and specific.
•Physical Addresses – Refers to MAC addresses used in the data link layer.
•Logical Addresses – Refers to IP addresses used in the network layer.
•Port Addresses – Identifies specific processes on a device (e.g., port numbers
in TCP/UDP).
•Specific Addresses – Can refer to application-specific addresses such as URLs
or email addresses
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Figure 2.17 Addresses in TCP/IP

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Figure 2.18 Relationship of layers and addresses in TCP/IP

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 NOTE

• The physical addresses will change from hop to hop, but the
logical addresses usually remain the same.

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 Benefits of Layered
Architecture
• Modularity: Simplifies network design and maintenance.
• Interoperability: Enables different devices and systems to communicate
effectively.
• Flexibility: Allows integration of new protocols and technologies.
• Reusability: Enhances the use of existing components for new
implementations.
• Scalability: Adapts to the growing demands of network infrastructure.
• Security: Implements security at multiple levels for enhanced protection.
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 Challenges of Layered
Architecture
• Performance Overhead: Additional processing at each
layer can impact performance.
• Complex Implementation: Managing interactions between
layers can be challenging.
• Resource Utilization: Increased computational
requirements for multi-layer processing.
• Debugging Complexity: Identifying faults across
multiple layers can be difficult.
• Protocol Overhead: Extra control information may slow
down data transmission.
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Real-World Applications of Layered
Architecture

• Internet Browsing: Utilizes layered communication protocols to fetch

web pages.
• Email Communication: Follows layered models for sending and
receiving messages.
• Video Streaming: Uses layered transmission protocols for efficient
media delivery.
• Online Gaming: Relies on network layers for real-time data exchange.
• Voice over IP (VoIP): Uses layered networking for voice
communication over the internet.
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Real-World Applications of Layered
Architecture

• Smart Home Devices: IoT devices operate using layered

communication protocols.
• Cloud Computing: Employs layered models for secure
and efficient data storage and retrieval.
• Blockchain Networks: Uses a layered approach for
decentralized and secure transactions.
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 Standardization Organizations
Standardization organizations play a crucial role in defining and maintaining networking
protocols and architectures. Some of the key standardization bodies include:
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO): Responsible for the OSI model and
various other networking standards.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE): Develops networking standards
such as Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11).
• Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): Oversees the development of internet standards,
including TCP/IP protocols.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU): Regulates telecommunications and network
protocols worldwide.
• World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): Develops web-related standards such as HTML, CSS,
and HTTP.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI): Establishes and coordinates networking 26and
telecommunications standards in the U.S.
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