Network Processors

CHAPTER 2 Networking Fundamentals

The previous chapter introduced the huge field of networks—what a network processor is and how to use it, as well as services that are relevant and the challenges that make network processors so important. Before we jump into a discussion of the requirements, roles, and benefits of network processors, however, it is first essential to be familiar with networking principles and technologies. Because we assume that most of the readers have at least some background knowledge of networking, our overview of the fundamentals of networking is quite general, and our descriptions are provided primarily in order to establish our terminology. In the next chapter, we move on to discuss more advanced, converged, and contemporary ...