CS2005 Networks and Operating Systems: Application Layer

Vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from the CS2005 Networks and Operating Systems lecture notes.

Protocol

A set of rules that governs the format and transmission of messages over a network.

Client-server architecture

A model where a server provides resources or services to multiple clients that may intermittently connect.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture

A decentralized model where arbitrary end systems communicate directly with each other without the need for a central server.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

A connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable data transfer between sending and receiving processes.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

An unreliable, connectionless protocol that allows data to be sent without establishing a connection first.

IP address

A unique 32-bit identifier for a host device on a network.

Port number

A numerical value that identifies a specific process running on a host and is necessary for sending messages to that process.

RFC (Request for Comments)

A document series that defines the standards and protocols for the Internet.

IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)

An organization that develops and promotes voluntary Internet standards and protocols.

Encapsulation

The process of wrapping data with the necessary protocol information before network transmission.

Data integrity

Ensuring that data is accurate and has not been altered during transmission.

Congestion control

Techniques used to prevent network congestion and ensure efficient data transmission.

Packet switch

A device that forwards data packets through the network based on their destination address.

Bandwidth

The transmission capacity of a network link, often measured in bits per second.

Internet protocol stack

A layered model that defines the structure and functionality of protocols used in network communications.

Transport service

The service provided to applications for data transfer across a network, including reliability and timing.

Application layer

The top layer of the Internet protocol stack that supports network applications like HTTP and FTP.