network layers?

  • What are network layers?
  • What is the OSI Model?
  • What is the TCP/IP stack?
  • Are there any other layering models/stacks/implementations?
  • Why is a layering approach taken in networking?
  • What is meant by a client/server network?
  • How does it differ from a peer-to-peer network?  What is a server?
  • What is a service?
  • Is your router a server?
  • Is your computer a server?
  • What is Zeroconf?
  • What is a host?
  • What is a node?
  • What are network topologies?
  • What are bus networks?  Ring networks?  Star networks?  Tree networks?  Mesh networks?
  • Are there any other network topologies?
  • Is there a difference between physical and functional topologies?
  • Which topology is best?