So far, we have discussed basic networking protocols and devices. This chapter focuses on data links , especially on methods of data transmission, both wired and wireless. After introducing general properties of transmission media, we investigate issues in the link layer of the overall protocol stack. The highlights of this chapter are
We begin by discussing wired and wireless transmission media. We examine most guided and unguided link alternatives, briefly discuss their applications, and summarize key transmission characteristics. Our next major topic is methods of focusing on channel access, the physical and link layers . We also discuss error detection and error correction on data links. Finally, we explain the stop-and-wait and sliding-window . protocols, which guarantee the control of link flows. |