Question

A broadcast network is one in which a transmission from any one attached station is received by all other attached stations over a shared medium. Examples are a bus-technology local area network, such as Ethernet, and a wireless radio network. Discuss the need or lack of need for a network layer (OSI layer 3) in a broadcast network.

Answer 1

In a broadcast network, the network layer (OSI Layer 3) is necessary for managing packet forwarding, routing through different routers for inter-network communication, and providing logical addressing. It ensures that data packets can reach their intended destinations beyond the local network.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question refers to the role of the network layer in a broadcast network, which is a type of network where transmissions from one station are received by all other connected stations over a shared medium. Common examples of broadcast networks include bus-technology local area networks (LANs), like Ethernet, and wireless radio networks.

Despite the shared medium used in broadcast networks, there is still a need for a network layer (OSI Layer 3). The network layer is significant because it handles packet forwarding including routing through different routers, which is essential for data transmission beyond the local network. For instance, when data packets need to travel from one LAN to another or to wide-area networks (WANs), the network layer controls the operation of the subnet, determining the best path for data packets to take to reach their destination.

Additionally, the network layer is responsible for functions such as logical addressing (e.g., IP addresses), which are crucial for identifying the sending and receiving stations, and for managing the communication between them across interconnected networks. Without the network layer, the functionalities needed for effective and scalable communication and data exchange across multiple networks would not be possible.

Answer 2

In a broadcast network such as radio network for example a walkie talkie, the broadcasted transmission is received equally by all receivers indiscriminately which may lead to dissemination of classified information to an unauthorized receiver, therefore, the network layer is required is needed to ensure proper routing of the information

Similarly, when the all the broadcasters in one location are each trying to send messages to different receivers at another given location, there would be potential for network congestion and it would be difficult to send information through the network

When there is need for priority service the presence of a network layer is needed in the network

However, when the above functions performed by the network layer is not required, then, the network layer can be excluded, such as the communication between layers 4 - 7 of the OSI model

Step-by-step explanation: