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Design Issues for the Layers of Computer Networks
A number of design issues exist for the layer to layer approach of computer networks. Some of the main design issues are as follows −
Reliability
Network channels and components may be unreliable, resulting in loss of bits while data transfer. So, an important design issue is to make sure that the information transferred is not distorted.
Scalability
Networks are continuously evolving. The sizes are continually increasing leading to congestion. Also, when new technologies are applied to the added components, it may lead to incompatibility issues. Hence, the design should be done so that the networks are scalable and can accommodate such additions and alterations.
Addressing
At a particular time, innumerable messages are being transferred between large numbers of computers. So, a naming or addressing system should exist so that each layer can identify the sender and receivers of each message.
Error Control
Unreliable channels introduce a number of errors in the data streams that are communicated. So, the layers need to agree upon common error detection and error correction methods so as to protect data packets while they are transferred.
Flow Control
If the rate at which data is produced by the sender is higher than the rate at which data is received by the receiver, there are chances of overflowing the receiver. So, a proper flow control mechanism needs to be implemented.
Resource Allocation
Computer networks provide services in the form of network resources to the end users. The main design issue is to allocate and deallocate resources to processes. The allocation/deallocation should occur so that minimal interference among the hosts occurs and there is optimal usage of the resources.
Statistical Multiplexing
It is not feasible to allocate a dedicated path for each message while it is being transferred from the source to the destination. So, the data channel needs to be multiplexed, so as to allocate a fraction of the bandwidth or time to each host.
Routing
There may be multiple paths from the source to the destination. Routing involves choosing an optimal path among all possible paths, in terms of cost and time. There are several routing algorithms that are used in network systems.
Security
A major factor of data communication is to defend it against threats like eavesdropping and surreptitious alteration of messages. So, there should be adequate mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to data through authentication and cryptography.
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