Networking Models

The ISO OSI 7 Layer Reference Model for Networking. This is a useful partitioning or layering system that is useful in helping to explain how networking can actually work. Similar functions are grouped in layers, and then layers functions are defined. Layers are stacked, one on top of the other to allow sanwiched layers to speak to their immediate vertical neighbors and provide services for immediate vertical neighbors. If this does not make sense here, try looking into more deatil in one of these links.

In this section I have tried to offer a well documented description of the functions of each layer as well as offer examples. Use of symbolism, and metaphores abound in this section to make certain concepts easier to understand.

If you find an error, or something that is not as well described as you would like, let me know and I will try to re-word it to make it more understandable.

The ISO, and the OSI 7 Layer Reference Model for Networking(Rough First Draft) is useful in understanding how a suite of protocols could be implemented. The theory applied to this layer includes the programming concept of modular design where by which modules can be written to deal with similar functions and modules communicate over unchanging interfaces. These modules can then be updated, enhanced, optimized, or improved without affecting the other modules since the interface specifications between vertical neighbors remain the same.
A forcing of the TCP/IP suite of protocols into a 5 layer model based on function (Rough First Draft) can be helpful in seeing how TCP/IP does not conform to the standards set up by the ISO for networking protocols that would meet the ISO specifications for 7 layer networking protocol stacks. This section is better viewed after the reader has an understanding of the ISO OSI 7 Layer Reference Model For Networking linked above.

Comments and/or suggestions for this?: Email me at: dugan@passwall.com
Attempts have been made to make the tables appear as they should for LYNX users by forcing a common field width for fields being used by padding them with other printable characters. This is meant to allow for LYNX users to see the tables much like the Netscape and other web browser worlds might show them. However, from personal experience, some versions of LYNX still manage to munge the tables, making them use up several pages. It seems to be a problem with how earlier versions of LYNX dealt with tables, but the problem has not been entirely isolated.
Some have asked why this collection of on-line documents is so lacking of graphic content. To them I answer: faster downloads. Many of these pages are smaller than some pictures on many commercial web sites. You do not come here to look at my pictures. You come here to read content. Also, LYNX users benefit from this, and by using ALL text, people with ADA issues are able to use speech recognition software on the text to hear the words.
A Special License: No part of this document may be used for profit without the consent of the author Michael Egan in writing. Content may be duplicated for retransmission for non-profit purposes as long as the copyright and license remain included in their entirety. The content is provided "as-is" and I take no responsibility on the content's truthfulness or consistency. Errors may exist in these documents, but acting upon these errors is left up to the reader to verify by a third party that will take responsibility for fact verification. When notified of errors or inconsistencies, attempts will be made to rectify the errors.
In plan English this is meant to do many things: This copyright is meant to exist so that others may not profit from this work as published in paper form, or by duplicating the content to place advertisements over it and generate income. It is also meant to exist to prevent people from publishing this work as their own and receiving profit from this process on research they did not perform. It is not meant to stop a professor from running off copies to use in their classes for their students. It is also not meant to stop the student from printing up copies for their own education. How depressing it would be to find your work published in book form without your permission, or compensation. Another reason for this Copyright is to limit the effect of the mistakes I have made within this document before I was able to complete it. It would be even sadder to notice my mistakes in print and criticized before I could resolve them. Eventually, after I finish this work, I may retain copyright, but eliminate the license.