With the establishment of network channels, it has become necessary to understand the basis of the data exchange methods applied to different network devices. This tutorial on ‘Sliding Window Protocol’ is precisely designed to make one understand the working method used in a network model, which governs the exchange of data frames between network devices.
What Is a Protocol?
In a network model, protocol refers to rules and instructions governing the exchange of data and information between multiple network devices in a network channel.
It provides an easy and reliable way to exchange data in the network model and maintains good security protocols for sharing the data.
Now, go ahead and begin with an introduction to the sliding window protocol.
What Is Sliding Window Protocol?
The sliding window protocol is a method designed in the network model that allows data exchange more efficiently and within the scope of clearly defined steps in the channel.
In the sliding window protocol, some of the most important features that are applied in a network model are as mentioned:
- This protocol allows sharing multiple data frames from the sender before receiving any acknowledgment from the receiver side.
- The data frames shared in the channel are defined by the window size mentioned in the network model, which defines the maximum number of frames that can be transmitted at a time from the sender to the receiver side before expecting any acknowledgment.
- Each of the frames in the network model is assigned a sequence number to increase the transmission efficiency.
- The data frames shared from the sender to the receiver side are enclosed within a virtual sliding window, which represents that these are awaiting acknowledgment from the receiver side.
Next, you will understand the working of the sliding window protocol in a network model.
Working of the Sliding Window Protocol
The working of the sliding window protocol can be divided into two steps sender steps, and the receiver steps and also some important values are needed in a network model for smooth transmission of the data frames are:
- Sender and the receiver side
- Window Size
- The total data frames to be transmitted
- Proper sequencing of the frames
Steps for the Sender Side
- To begin with, the sender side will share data frames with the receiver side per the window size assigned to the model.
- The sliding window will appear on the frames transmitted over to the receiver side.
- Then the sender will wait for an acknowledgment from the receiver side for the shared frames, as mentioned in figure1.
- When the receiver transmits the acknowledgment of the first transmitted frame, the sliding window will shift from the acknowledged frame.
Now, let’s move on to the steps involved on the receiver side.
Steps for the Receiver Side
- On receiving the data frames from the sender side, the receiver will use the frames in the network model.
- After the receiver uses the frame, it will transmit the acknowledgement to the sender side for that data frame.
- Then, the receiver side will receive the next data frame from the sender side, as mentioned in figure2.
This process continues until all the frames are transmitted from the sender side to the receiver side, and the receiver side transmits the acknowledgment of all the received frames.
Next, in this tutorial, you will look into the advantages and disadvantages caused by applying the sliding window protocol in the network model.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sliding Window Protocol
Advantages
- In this protocol, a sender can share multiple frames and then wait for the acknowledgment.
- This protocol has much better efficiency in comparison, with low time delay.
- This protocol requires sorting for increased efficiency and applies full-duplex transmission.
Disadvantages
- In case the sender does not receive acknowledgement from the receiver side, the network model becomes inefficient.
- Loss and wastage of bandwidth due to sharing multiple frames simultaneously.
You have now completed this tutorial on the Sliding Window Protocol with this.
Conclusion
In this tutorial on ‘Sliding Window Protocol, you understood the working of the steps involved in the transmission of data frames from the sender to the receiver side in the network model, along with the effect of applying the method in the network model.
If you want to learn more about the working of the sliding window protocol in the network model, you can refer to Simplilearn’s Cyber Security course. By the end of this expert course, you will become more efficient in understanding various types of protocols in a network model.
Do you have any questions about this tutorial on ‘Sliding Window Protocol’. If yes, feel free to mention them in the comment section at the bottom of this page. The Simplilearn team will help you solve your queries ASAP.
