There are many different types of networks, but one common example is the internetwork. Typically, large internetwork configurations are made up of separate LANs on each floor. These LANs are connected by a backbone network. This backbone network connects all the LANs.

This is also known as a horizontal network, which derives from the term. This example shows the basics of how networks work. Listed below are some of the different types of networks.

Routers

When considering the role of routers in an internetwork, consider their role in routing data. Routing is the process by which datagrams travel over the network and are delivered to the correct destination. To illustrate this concept, consider a typical internetwork: the routers on each side of the network route datagrams to one another. Each router is responsible for forwarding the traffic. However, in some scenarios, a router is responsible for collecting and delivering routing information for all network nodes.

Switches

A simple Internetwork example can be used to understand the role of switches. Essentially, switches create a connection state for a packet and then look for the identifier within the header. There are two common approaches to switching: connectionless and connection-oriented. Both have their uses. The connectionless approach is most commonly used, but there are other methods of routing that can be useful. Here’s an example. Let’s say that A sends a setup message to switch 1. This setup message contains the complete destination address of host B. It must reach B. Switches must also know which output to send the message.

Router routing protocols

The best routes to a network’s destinations are determined by the route tables on routers. These tables store information about the entire topology of a network. They contain both the best routes and the backup routes. The distance vector … Continue reading >>>