Why Do We Need a Network Model?
Because we are about to spend some of your valuable time discussing a theoretical model, it is only reasonable that we first discuss why we have such a model in the first place and how it can help us.
In simple terms, the OSI model provides a structure that helps us work with networks. By relating services and devices to a certain layer of the model, you can get a better idea of their function and purpose. For example, recall from Chapter 3, “Networking Components and Devices,” that switches use the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the attached devices to make forwarding decisions. In the OSI model, MAC addresses are defined in the MAC sublayer of the data-link layer (Layer 2). If you knew that a bridge was ...
Get Network+ Training Guide now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
