Network layer cont. #
Switching fabrics #
Since data can flow bidirectionally, inputs can become outputs, and vice versa.
Output ports #
Input port queueing #
IP: Internet Protocol #
ICMP = internet control message protocol
Datagram format #
The header is 20 bytes long.
Upper layer can be TCP or UDP, or ICMP
A type could be multimedia, satellite signal etc, used for priority.
IP Fragmentation #
MTU = max transfer size
The original is 4000 bytes, but the MTU is 1500 bytes. So the original will be fragmented to accommodate the MTU.
Note: IP header is in every fragment, but the TCP header is only in the first. The TCP header is regarded as payload at the network layer.
IPv4 #
NIC = network interface card
A.B.C.D
where each letter is 8 bits, so 32 bits total.