CST 311 Week 2
TOR - The Onion Reader: Network Layers
This week introduced the application layer of computer networks, where we explored protocols like HTTP, SMTP, DNS, along with the roles of UDP and TCP. We also examined the differences between client-server and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems, gaining a deeper understanding of how network interactions are structured.
learning about P2P systems like BitTorrent was fascinating. In P2P networks, every device acts as both a client and a server, sharing data directly with each other. This is something I’m definitely going to explore more.
Another topic I found interesting was HTTP's stateless nature. It’s remarkable to consider that each time we visit a webpage, the server treats every request as a brand-new interaction, with no memory of previous visits. The distinction between persistent and non-persistent connections also resonated with me, as it clarified why some websites load faster and how multiple objects on a page are managed efficiently. This deeper understanding of the web’s underlying mechanics highlights the level of optimization required to ensure smooth performance.
Although optional, I took the time to explore video streaming and content distribution networks (CDNs). Platforms like Netflix and YouTube don’t rely on a single, massive server for content delivery. Instead, they distribute video files across numerous servers worldwide, enhancing both speed and reliability for streaming.
Another topic I found interesting was HTTP's stateless nature. It’s remarkable to consider that each time we visit a webpage, the server treats every request as a brand-new interaction, with no memory of previous visits. The distinction between persistent and non-persistent connections also resonated with me, as it clarified why some websites load faster and how multiple objects on a page are managed efficiently. This deeper understanding of the web’s underlying mechanics highlights the level of optimization required to ensure smooth performance.
Although optional, I took the time to explore video streaming and content distribution networks (CDNs). Platforms like Netflix and YouTube don’t rely on a single, massive server for content delivery. Instead, they distribute video files across numerous servers worldwide, enhancing both speed and reliability for streaming.
This week was filled with valuable insights, prompting me to think more critically about the architecture of network applications. It also deepened my appreciation for the importance of network security and the engineering behind web performance.
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