Networking Programming Models

Like file and device I/O, network transfers can be done synchronously or asynchronously with process service requests.

Synchronous networking proceeds similar to synchronous file and device I/O. Like the write() interface, the send request returns after buffering the message, but might suspend the calling process if buffer space is not immediately available. Like the read() interface, a receive request suspends execution of the calling process until data arrives to satisfy the request. Because there are no guaranteed bounds for transport services, synchronous networking is inappropriate for processes that must have real-time behavior with respect to other devices.

Asynchronous networking is provided by non-blocking service requests. Additionally, applications can request asynchronous notification when a connection might be established, when data might be sent, or when data might be received.