Computing 205/406/IT8: Tutorial #01

Tutorial #1

  1. What is a protocol? How does the use of the word "protocol" in computer networking differ from its meaning in other contexts?

  2. What is a protocol data unit (PDU)?

  3. What tasks are performed by the transport service module (or layer)? Name at least two.

  4. What is the major function of the network service module (or layer)?

  5. 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.

  6. In the lecture, it was claimed (slide 6) that the network service module did not have to guarantee reliable delivery of packets. Why not?

  7. 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

  8. 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.
This tutorial is also available in PostScript format.
Phil Scott