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2 Network Architecture

According to JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards), network architecture is defined as the “logical structure and operating principles of a computer network.” Specifically speaking, it refers to systematically organizing various protocols and interfaces, which are required for constructing a network, in a hierarchical structure.

2 - 1 What is Network Architecture?

In order to properly transmit data through a network, it is necessary to conclude various agreements with the communication partners. There are several aspects to be decided, such as the voltage level of the transmission signal, method of transmission, and format of data to be transmitted. These agreements (i.e., conventions) are called protocols. When data communication is performed with several partners because of the expansion of network, it becomes difficult to set a protocol for each partner. Thus, network architecture is taken into consideration to systematically organize the protocols and simplify the construction/designing of the network.