Answer to Question #300318 in Computer Networks for Junaid

Question

TCP/IP is a condensed representation of the OSI paradigm. It has four layers,

as opposed to the OSI model's seven. What if the INTERNET

LAYER, or the third layer, were to be replaced by the LINK LAYER, or the fourth layer,

and vice versa? . What impact will this have on the packets being

sent from source to destination? Make a list of the potential problems that may arise

during communication. Simply by stating that no communication will be possible, this

kind of answer will not be acceptable

Answer 1

1. The first problem would be the reliability in maintaining the connection between nodes. The protocols in here ensure a link state is maintained between nodes on the same local network hence now the hosts can communicate and exchange packets otherwise packets may be dropped off if the link state is not properly established.

2. If the internet layer is replaced only local communication would occur as packets cannot be routed to other nodes on a different network.

3. If layer 2 problemse such as collision of packets will arise since the packets are not address specific in their transmission so MAC addressing will be difficult and with alot of errors.

4. The LLC sub-layer (802.2) is responsible for identifying different network layer protocols, encapsulating them to be transmitted across the network as this layer communicates with the network layer. This makes network addressing of devices in conjunction with the network layer difficult to uniquely identify a device on a network.