This chapter explains basic internetworking concepts. The information presented here helps readers who are new to internetworking comprehend the technical material that makes up the bulk of this publication.
Introduction Moving information between computers of diverse design is a formidable task.
The OSI reference model, released in 1984, addresses this need. The OSI reference model quickly became the primary architectural model for intercomputer communications. Thus, the model is the best tool available to people hoping to learn about network technology. The OSI reference model divides the problem of moving information between computers over a network medium into seven smaller and more manageable problems. Each of the seven smaller problems was chosen because it was reasonably self-contained and therefore more easily solved without excessive reliance on external information.