Open Systems Interconnection


Open Systems Interconnection

(networking)(OSI-RM, OSI Reference Model, seven layer model)A model of network architecture and a suite of protocols (aprotocol stack) to implement it, developed by ISO in 1978as a framework for international standards in heterogeneouscomputer network architecture.

The OSI architecture is split between seven layers, fromlowest to highest: 1 physical layer, 2 data link layer, 3network layer, 4 transport layer, 5 session layer, 6presentation layer, 7 application layer.

Each layer uses the layer immediately below it and provides aservice to the layer above. In some implementations a layermay itself be composed of sub-layers.

OSI is the umbrella name for a series of non-proprietaryprotocols and specifications, comprising, among others, theOSI Reference Model, ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation 1), BER(Basic Encoding Rules), CMIP and CMIS (Common ManagementInformation Protocol and Services), X.400 (Message HandlingSystem, or MHS), X.500 (Directory Service), Z39.50 (searchand retrieval protocol used by WAIS), and many others.Apart from its actual application to real protocols, it alsoserves as a useful teaching model.