Appendix C. Network Primer

The OSI Model

The sometimes-complicated interrelationship of components in a network can quickly become overwhelming without an understanding of the basic underlying theory that defines most networks. The most widely recognized model for understanding network communications is the OSI model. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model was defined in 1978 by the International Standards Organization (ISO) to help define (and understand) how the different devices on a network interact with each other.

The OSI model consists of seven independent, functional layers, each providing and utilizing the services of the adjacent layers. The model represents a peer-to-peer communication relationship in which equivalent ...

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