Computer Networking Study Notes: Chapter 1.2

A closer look at Internet structure

  • Network edge:
    • hosts: clients and servers
    • servers often in data centers
  • Access networks, physical media:
    • wired, wireless communication links
  • Network core:
    • interconnected routers
    • network of networks

Access networks and physical media

Q: How to connect end systems to edge router
* residential access nets
* institutional access networks (school, company)
* mobile access networks (WiFi, 4G/5G)

Access networks: cable-based access

  • frequency division multiplexing (FDM):
    • different channels transmitted in different frequency bands