Features of Layered Architecture
- Use of Layered architecture in computer network provides with the feature of modularity and distinct interfaces.
- Layered architecture ensures independence between layers, by offering services to higher layers from the lower layers and without specifying how these services are implemented.
- Layered architecture segments as larger and unmanageable design into small sub tasks.
- In layer architecture every network has different number of functions, layers and content.
- In layered architecture, the physical route provides with communication which is available under the layer 1.
- In layered architecture, the implementation done by one layer can be modified by another layer.
Layered Architecture in Computer Networks
Every network consists of a specific number of functions, layers, and tasks to perform. Layered Architecture in a computer network is defined as a model where a whole network process is divided into various smaller sub-tasks. These divided sub-tasks are then assigned to a specific layer to perform only the dedicated tasks. A single layer performs only a specific type of task. To run the application and provide all types of services to clients a lower layer adds its services to the higher layer present above it. Therefore layered architecture provides interactions between the sub-systems. If any type of modification is done in one layer it does not affect the next layer.
As shown in the above diagram, there are five different layers. Therefore, it is a five-layered architecture. Each layer performs a dedicated task. The lower-level data for example from layer 1 data is transferred to layer 2. Below all the layers Physical Medium is present. The physical medium is responsible for the actual communication to take place. For the transfer of data and communication layered architecture provides with a clean cut interface.