In this article, we will learn about Computer Network Model and the layered architecture of the Network Model. Computer Network Models define the architecture and design to establish the communication between the different network machines.
The models of computer network are also known as protocol suites, network protocols and network stacks. Network models efficiently transmit the data.
A network model includes multiple layers. Each layer of the model performs the particular task and the collection of protocols and services are used in each layer to perform that task.
Before we discuss the different models of computer network. Let’s have to learn about the layered architecture of the network model.
Layered Architecture of Network Model
The layered architecture of the network model divides the whole process of a network into small different tasks.And, each task is performed by a particular layer.
In this Layered Architecture, all the layers are linked to each other and each layer receives the data from the previous layer and provides the data to the next layer. Services, Interface, and Protocols are the three basic elements of layered architecture.
The network layered architecture consists of the following three main and major components:
1. Sender Machine
2. Physical Medium
3. Receiver Machine
Sender Machine
In the network layered architecture, data is not sent directly to the receiver machine rather it passed from the higher layer to the lower layer via an interface present on the sender’s machine.
The sender machine consists of the following layers:
1. Higher Layer: This layer accepts the data sent by the sender and passes that data to the middle layers for further processing.
2. Middle Layer: Middle layer takes the data from the higher layer and uses its protocols and services and after that, it sends the data to the lower layer.
3. Lower Layer: This layer picks up the data from the middle layer and sends the data to the lowest layer on the receiver machine by using the particular physical medium.
All these above layers are connected via an interface and perform their tasks one by one.
Physical Medium
Physical medium specifies the way for transmitting the data from the lowest layer of the sender machine to the lowest layer of the receiver machine.
Receiver Machine
As we know that, data is not sent directly to the receiver machine rather it passed from the lower layer to the higher layer via an interface present on the receiver’s machine.
The receiver machine also consists of the following three layers:
1. Lower Layer: This layer receives the data from the lowest layer of sender machine via the physical medium and transmits it to the middle layer after using its services and protocols.
2. Middle Layer: This layer picks up the data sent by the lower layer and transfers it to the next higher layer after using its services and protocol.
3. Higher Layer: This layer accepts the data sent by the middle layer and sends it to the receiver after using its services.
All these above layers are connected via an interface and perform their tasks one by one.
Two Computer Network Models
Following are the two most predominant computer network models:
1. OSI Model
2. TCP/IP Model