cs307 p. 27

Computer Networks

Networks is part of the Systems area: study of the connection of many computers via communication networks.

Reliability: Can a message get from A to B ?
- Will it be received correctly?
- Even if the connection is noisy?
- Even if parts of the network fail?
- Even if the network is very busy?
Security: Can we guarantee:
- that a message will be received by the intended recipient?
- that nobody can eavesdrop?
- that even if there are some ``bad guys'' on the network, they cannot disrupt the network?
  - Read other peoples' mail
  - Steal passwords, credit card numbers, etc.
  - Gain access to other computers
  - Send phony messages