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The transport layer provides process-to-process communication by utilizing the network layer’s host-to-host communication service, without understanding its implementation. This week I learned how the network layer provides this service and examined its complexity, which includes both data plane and control plane functions. Some topics that were focused on include the data plane functions, such as IP forwarding and addressing. 

This week I learned about security in network applications. I first learned about the fundamental cryptography techniques that make it possible for communication to be encrypted,  validating a person/party authenticating the party with whom one is communicating, and establishing message integrity. I also learned of how fundamental cryptography principles can be used to create secure networking protocols. I learned about secure protocols in the application layer, transport later, network layer, and link layer. I also learned how to secure e-mail, TCP, and how to provide blanket security for the network later.  Lastly I learned how firewalls and intrusion detection systems can improve the security of an organizational network.

The transport layer, positioned between the application and network layers, plays a vital role in providing communication services to application processes across different hosts. This chapter discusses transport-layer principles and their application in protocols like TCP and UDP, emphasizing reliable communication over unreliable media. It also addresses controlling transmission rates to manage network congestion, highlighting the importance of congestion-control mechanisms.

This week I learned about computer networking and the internet. I learned about the hardware such as switches, routers, servers, cables, and devices(computers, tablets, phones, etc) that are involved. I also learned about the topologies such as WAN and LAN. I also learned about packet switching vs circuit switching.   Furthermore i learned about delays through packet switching such as processing delay, queuing delay, transmission delay, propagation delay, and end-to-end delay. I also learned about protocol layering. This includes the application layer, transport layer, link layer, physical layer, and network layer. I also learned about network attacks.     

This week's topic is focused on the evolution and importance of network applications. From text-based emails to today's highly sophisticated mobile apps, the journey is fascinating. Network applications have shaped how we communicate, entertain, and conduct business. They are the driving force behind the ever-expanding Internet and influence our daily lives more than ever.