Abstract :
The functionalities and presently defined entities at the different levels of the Open Systems Interconnection reference model are discussed. An overview of standards activity by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the International Consultative Committee for Telephone and Telegraph (CCITT) is given. The ISO reference model and layer functions are described. Standards for the different layers are examined. Network security and naming and addressing issues, which were not covered by the basic reference model and earlier standards activities, are addressed. Two private-sector examples of OSI networks, the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP) and the Technical Office Protocol (TOP), are considered.<>
Keywords :
computer networks; open systems; protocols; standards; CCITT; IEEE; ISO reference model; MAP protocol; Manufacturing Automation Protocol; OSI; Open Systems Interconnection; TOP protocol; Technical Office Protocol; addressing issues; computer communication; layer functions; naming issues; network security; standards; Communication standards; Computer aided manufacturing; Computer network management; Computer networks; ISO standards; Open systems; Protocols; Standards development; Telecommunication computing; Telecommunication standards;