It 240 Guide to Networking Essentials Chapter 6

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Network Reference Models and Standards

After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, you will be able to:

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Explain the OSI reference model layers and their relationship to hardware and software Explain the IEEE 802 networking model and related standards

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Chapter 6

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model for networking explains how networks behave within an orderly, seven-layered model for networked communication. The OSI model isn’t specific to a protocol suite and can be applied to most networking protocols past and present. Many of the networking hardware and software components discussed in this book can be identified as working within one or more of the OSI model layers. Although the OSI model isn’t specific to any one protocol suite, it’s the standard model for discussing, teaching, and learning the field of computer networking. It’s unlikely you’ll have a course in networking that doesn’t at least mention the OSI model, and some courses you take might cover it in more detail than in this chapter. Because you have already learned about the layered architecture of the TCP/IP model, some of the information in this chapter has already been introduced. However, the concept of a layered architecture in network communication is so vital to your understanding of how to configure and troubleshoot networks, the repetition should be worthwhile. In addition, descriptions of network devices refer to the OSI model rather than the TCP/IP model; for...