CHAPTER 5NETWORK AND TRANSPORT LAYERS
The network layer and transport layer are responsible for moving messages from end to end in a network. They are so closely tied together that they are usually discussed together. The transport layer (layer 4) performs three functions: linking the application layer to the network, segmenting (breaking long messages into smaller packets for transmission), and session management (establishing an end-to-end connection between the sender and receiver). The network layer (layer 3) performs two functions: routing (determining the next computer to which the message should be sent to reach the final destination) and addressing (finding the address of that next computer). There are several standard transport and network layer protocols that specify how packets are to be organized, in the same way that there are standards for data link layer packets. However, only one set of protocols is in widespread use today: the Internet Protocol Suite, commonly called Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This chapter takes a detailed look at how TCP/IP and the other protocols in the Internet Protocol Suite work.
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