The ecosystem of communication channels
Communication channels are 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. 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.
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 of an OSI model:
OSI model structure
As indicated in the preceding diagram, there are...
