OSI reference model
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model of the International Standardization Organisation (ISO)
Divides telecommunications into seven layers
Defines the layers, their functions and basic concepts
Does not define the actual telecommunications protocols
Does not take a stand to implementational issues
The purpose of the OSI model was to:
- offer a generic structure for telecommunications systems
- act as a framework for standards and requirements
- facilitate the interconnection of various types of equipment
- ease the deployment of new technologies
OSI is analogous to the System Networks Architecture (SNA) of the IBM world (whose significance has rapidly decreased)
OSI still is a useful and generally accepted reference model