Networking Concepts

This section explores fundamental concepts in networking, focusing on protocols, programming, file systems, memory access, and scheduling techniques.

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Table of Contents

• Network Protocols (TCP/IP)
• Socket Programming
• Network File System (NFS)
• Remote Memory Access
• Packet Scheduling
• Fair Queuing
• Weighted Fair Queuing

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Network Protocols (TCP/IP)

• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP):
  • Reliable, connection-oriented protocol.
  • Ensures ordered data delivery with error correction.
• Internet Protocol (IP):
  • Connectionless protocol responsible for routing and addressing packets.
• Use Case: Commonly used for web browsing, email, and file transfer.

Figure 1: TCP/IP Protocol Stack.

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Socket Programming

• Definition: Enables communication between two endpoints (client and server) over a network.
• Key Concepts:
  • Sockets represent endpoints.
  • TCP and UDP are common transport layer protocols.
• Applications:
  • Web servers, chat applications, and networked games.

Figure 1. Socket Programming Example.

Network File System (NFS)

• Definition: Allows access to files on remote systems as if they were local.
• Features:
  • Shared storage for distributed systems.
  • Stateless protocol for efficient access.
• Use Case: Common in enterprise environments for centralized file management.

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Remote Memory Access

• Definition: Direct memory access across a network, bypassing the CPU.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces latency and CPU overhead.
  • Improves performance for distributed systems.
• Use Case: High-performance computing (HPC).

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Packet Scheduling

• Definition: Determines the order of packet transmission in a network.
• Techniques:
  • Prioritizing packets based on size, source, or destination.
  • Managing bandwidth usage.

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Fair Queuing

• Definition: Allocates bandwidth fairly among competing flows.
• Mechanism:
  • Uses separate queues for each flow.
  • Ensures equal packet transmission over time.
• Use Case: Avoids bandwidth monopolization in shared networks.

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Weighted Fair Queuing

• Definition: Extends fair queuing by assigning weights to different flows.
• Features:
  • Provides proportional bandwidth allocation.
  • Higher weights mean higher bandwidth priority.
• Use Case: Quality of Service (QoS) in multimedia streaming.

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Conclusion

Networking concepts such as TCP/IP, socket programming, and advanced scheduling techniques form the backbone of modern distributed systems. These concepts are essential for building reliable, efficient, and scalable networks.

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References

1. Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2024). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th ed.). Pearson. ISBN: 978-0136681557.
2. Edelman, J., Lowe, S. S., & Oswalt, M. (2023). Network Programmability and Automation (2nd ed.). O'Reilly Media. ISBN: 978-1492082104.
3. Bashir, I. (2023). Mastering Blockchain: Unlocking the Power of Cryptocurrencies, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Applications (3rd ed.). Packt Publishing. ISBN: 978-1803241067.