Publications
The OSI Reference Model
One of the greatest functions of the OSI specifications is to assist in data transfer between disparate hosts regardless if they’re Unix, Windows or Mac based. But keep in mind that the OSI model isn’t a physical model; it’s a conceptual and comprehensive yet fluid set of guidelines, which application developers utilize to create and implement applications that run on a network. It also provides a framework for creating and implementing networking standards, devices, and internetworking schemes. The OSI model has seven layers:
■■ Application (Layer 7)
■■ Presentation (Layer 6)
■■ Session (Layer 5)
■■ Transport (Layer 4)
■■ Network (Layer 3)
■■ Data Link (Layer 2)
■■ Physical (Layer 1)