软件设计师专业英语(1)

Computer English

Networks can be interconnected by different devices. In the physical layer, networks can be connected by repeaters or hubs, which just move the bits from one network to an identical network. One layer up we find bridges and switches, which operate at data link layer. They can accept frames examine the MAC address, and forward the frames to a different network while doing minor protocol translation in the process. In the network layer, we have routers that can connect two networks. If two networks have dissimilar network layer, the router may be able to translate between the packet formats. In the transport layer we find transport gateway, which can interface between two transport connections. Finally in the application layer, application gateways translate message syntax. As an example, gateways between Internet e-mail and X.400 e-mail must