This knowledge unit introduces the concepts typically covered in a computer networking course. It provides the foundation for the more specialized knowledge units.
Topics
- General concepts: This topic should cover the ideas of nodes and edges with the names of the various topologies and the transmission characteristics of the topologies.
- Common architectures: This topic covers the IEEE 802 network architecture and how the various networks are named based on the physical characteristics (LANs, MANs, etc.).
- Forwarding: This topic covers packet forwarding in general. Since similar switching silicone is now used in routers and switches, and SDN treats forwarding separate from building the forwarding table, this is its own topic.
- Routing: This topic covers routing algorithms and explains how forwarding tables are built using graph analysis algorithms such as link-state and distance vector.
- Switching/Bridging: This topic covers learning algorithms and IEEE 802.1 bridging along with Spanning Tree Protocol and its relationship to routing. It is not currently clear how this topic will evolve with STP being replaced through the emergence of Trill and STP.
- Emerging trends: This topic covers emerging technologies and their impact as they emerge. Currently the impact of SDN and adding routing to layer 2 with enhanced learning bridges would be the content. This is evolving rapidly.
- Virtualization and virtual hypervisor architecture: Virtualization has provided ways to design architecture using either native virtualization (type 1) or virtualization under the control of a host operating system (type 2).
Suggestions Accepted for consideration for the next Edition:
Please provide your suggestions about this knowledge unit. All submitted comments will be reviewed at the end of the month. Comments accepted for inclusion will be listed above.