How does a Network Work?

There are a lot of sites out there which, if you don't already know, explain how a network works.  I prefer to think about it from a different perspective as it relates to impact on gaming.

 

A long time ago, when the Internet was first being standardized, some of the worlds great minds derived something known as the OSI model.  Traditionally, computer gurus have relied on this model as a means of discussing the different stages of networking.  Less of strict structure which networks are forced to adhere to, the OSI model provides 7 distinct layers of understanding in the overall communication process. (see HowStuffWorks)


picture taken from 3mfuture.com

From a top-down perspective, any network begins with the user.  Through a Graphical User Interface, a person will interact with an application in order to perform a desired task.  This can be a browser, an email program, or, in our case, an online game.  However the interaction takes place, it is all encompassed within the Application Layer.  The point where the user commands are translated into computer language is known as the Presentation Layer.

 

 

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This page was last updated on June 20, 2007