End-to-End Principle

The End-to-End Principle is a concept in network design that suggests certain functions in a communication system should be handled by the endpoints (like computers or phones) rather than by the network itself. This approach ensures efficiency and flexibility, allowing the applications at the endpoints to manage data processing. For example, if you stream a video, the quality control is done by your device, not the internet. This principle supports innovation and keeps the network simple, focusing on transmitting data while leaving more complex tasks to the software and devices at either end.