TCP/IP Guide

General Reference Model Issues

Let's discuss some of the basic issues related to reference models. In part, I want to explain why I place so much emphasis on the OSI model, even going so far as to build much of this book's organization around this model and its layers. I also want you to understand why the model is important, and how it benefits networking not only on a conceptual level, but in reality.

In the topics that follow, I describe several issues that relate to reference models in general terms, and of course, to the OSI Reference Model specifically. I begin with an overview of why networking models are beneficial and why it is important for you to understand how the OSI model works. I then talk about how best to use the model and contrast ...