What is a protocol? How does the use of the word "protocol"
in computer networking differ from its meaning in other contexts?
What is a protocol data unit (PDU)?
What tasks are performed by the transport service module
(or layer)? Name at least two.
What is the major function of the network service module
(or layer)?
In the example from the lecture (slide 6), the transport service
layer (or module) split the application data unit into two TPDUs. Give
reasons why it might do this.
In the lecture, it was claimed (slide 6) that the network service
module did not have to guarantee reliable delivery of packets. Why
not?
Is it possible that the network layer could additionally split a
TPDU into two or more NPDUs? Give reasons why it might do this, and
describe the format of the resulting NPDUs
Practical exercises:
Many of the tutorials in the subject will have one or more of these at
the end. They are intended for you to do in your own time (ie, out of
the tute), and are generally designed to further illustrate some aspect
of the tutorial material.
Give yourself a shell on a nearby Unix system and type the
following command:
telnet www.latrobe.edu.au 80
Once you get the "connected" message, type the following (note uppercase):
GET /Index.html
Can you explain what happens? Don't worry - later on you will!
NB: if you can't get this to work, have a look here.