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Responsibilities of the Network Layer
The Network Layer includes nearly all of the functions we consider
important in multi-node networks.
Each node can be responsible for everything from handling its own links
to managing (either guessing or knowing) the network topology.
In essence, the requirements are of three types:
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- Source and destination functions:
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end-to-end protocols,
the network layer software interface,
fragmentation and reassembly of messages,
management of network layer sequence numbers, and
creation, manipulation and deletion of headers.
- Store and forward functions:
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choice of the best route for packets,
local flow control, and
local error control.
- Network-wide management functions:
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network flow control,
topological awareness and modification, and
network performance measurement and monitoring.
CITS3002 Computer Networks, Lecture 5, The Network Layer, p3, 25th March 2024.
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CITS3002