The ecosystem of communication channels

The term communication channel is used to denote both the physical wiring connection between different systems and the logical communication of data that facilitates computer networks. In this chapter, we will only be concerned with the latter, as it is a problem that is related to computing and is more germane to the idea of asynchronous programming.

First, in this section, we will be discussing the general structure of a communication channel, and two specific elements in that structure that are particularly relevant to asynchronous programming. The first element is communication protocol layers.

Communication protocol layers

Most data transmission processes that are done through communication channels are facilitated in the form of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model protocol layers. The OSI model lays out the major layers and topics in an intersystem communication process.

The following diagram shows the general structure...