An Assignment
An Assignment
An Assignment
LAN Configurations
Overview
Description
This unit contains five lessons:
• The first lesson describes the seven layers of the OSI Reference Model,
the functions of each layer, and the importance of standards
• The second lesson describes how computer devices prepare, interpret,
and send data over transmission media. This lesson also covers analog
and digital signals, binary coding, and packet structures.
• The third lesson discusses the basics of Ethernet networking and how
Ethernet standards manage data transmission at the data link and
physical OSI layers.
• The fourth lesson compares and contrasts Ethernet and (IEEE 802.3)
and describes the characteristics and purpose of Ethernet media.
• The fifth lesson addresses the characteristics of several other network
architectures including Token Ring, FDDI, ARCNet, and LocalTalk.
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At a Glance
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model describes how computer
services and protocols can be standardized to allow computers to share
information. It was developed in the 1980’s by the International
Standardization Organization (ISO). Its goal is to enable the
interconnection of all types of networks despite differences in hardware,
media, programming language, operating system, or application software.
The OSI model, though still evolving, is the most widely accepted network
model today thanks, in part, to voluntary acceptance and compliance by
manufacturers and vendors. Due to its widespread use, the OSI model
provides the basis for reference, description, and comparison of most
internetworking topics. Additionally, it is the most commonly used
systematic guide to troubleshooting networks. A deeper understanding of
the OSI model and its seven layers will help you to improve your
internetworking knowledge and skills. Because the model is abstract and
complex, it helps to learn about it in stages. Begin now to build your OSI
knowledge base.
Tech Talk
• HostA host is a computer system (or node) that shares its resources
within a network.
• International Standardization Organization (ISO)The ISO is a
non-governmental group of standards-setting organizations from more
than 90 countries. The ISO proposes, revises, and publishes global
standards and protocols for a wide variety of concerns including
banking services, electrical products, sports equipment, toy safety, and
so on.
• Media The physical material used when transmitting information
over a network is referred to as the media. This includes conductive
cables, optical fiber, or air through which encoded information flows
between sender(s) and receiver(s), routers, switches, and so on.
• Network ArchitectureThe overall connection design and layout for
how computers, devices, and media transfer information on a network
is described as the network architecture. The three main types of
network architecture are star (ARCnet), Ethernet, and Token Ring.
• Open SystemsNetworks working together for efficient information
flow by jointly implementing protocols whose details are publicly
available are called open systems. Open systems contrast with
proprietary systems.
• Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference ModelThe OSI
model is a 7-layered format for organizing and describing the
standardization required to enable full communication between
different computers and computer systems.
• Operating SystemAn operating system is software used to control
the activity of an individual workstation and/or network. Examples
include: DOS, Windows, and Macintosh OS for workstations and
NetWare, UNIX, LINUX, Windows 95, and NT for networks.
• Peer EntitiesParties or resources involved in communication at the
same level are referred to as peer entities.
• Proprietary SystemsVendor-specific sets of protocols that are not
typically supported by other vendors. Token Ring started as a
proprietary system.
• ProtocolRules that govern network data flow and product creation.
Protocols are pre-established communication rules and conventions.
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Application 7
6
Presentation
Session 5
4
Transport
3
Network
2
Data Link
1
Physical
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The upper four layers, listed below, deal more with application-oriented
(user or software) functions. Network operating systems applications such
as Windows NT, Novell NetWare, and UNIX function at these upper
layers.
• Transport
• Session
• Presentation
• Application
Each layer of the OSI model provides specific functions not provided by any
other layer. Sets of protocols allow the peer layers of the sending and
receiving computers to communicate with each other. Each level uses the
services of the layer immediately below it and provides services to the layer
immediately above it.
Data Routing
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
Layer 1: Physical
The OSI physical layer protocols handle the mechanical, electrical, and
procedural functions needed to provide the physical link between devices
and the network. An easy way to think about it is that the physical layer
is anything you can touch that transmits the dataa plug, cable, fiber, and
so on.
User User
Processes Processes
Sending Receiving
Workstation Application Application Workstation
Presentation Presentation
Session Session
Transport Transport
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
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The data link layer, in simplest terms, functions to provide any service not
found in the physical layer needed for communication between two devices
attached to the same wire.
User User
Processes Processes
Sending Receiving
Workstation Application Application Workstation
Presentation Presentation
Session Session
Transport Transport
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
Network hardware associated with the OSI data link layer includes
bridges, switches, and network interface cards (NICs).
Some protocols and standards implemented at this layer are Ethernet,
PPP, FDDI, Frame Relay, and ATM.
Layer 3: Network
The network layer provides the functions not found in the first two layers
that allow for the exchange of information between two devices on different
wires, that is, on different networks.
User User
Processes Processes
Sending Receiving
Workstation Application Application Workstation
Presentation Presentation
Session Session
Transport Transport
Data Routing
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
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Layer 4: Transport
User User
Processes Processes
Sending Receiving
Workstation Application Application Workstation
Presentation Presentation
Session Session
Data Routing
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
Layer 5: Session
User User
Processes Processes
Sending Receiving
Workstation Application Application Workstation
Presentation Presentation
Dialog between
Session Application Programs Session
Data Routing
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
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Layer 6: Presentation
The presentation layer translates data into a standard format that can be
understood by each network application and the computers on which they
run. The protocols in this layer also provide for compression/expansion
and/or encryption/decryption of data and security services. This layer also
takes care of file locking, which prevents two users from modifying the
same file at the same time.
User User
Processes Processes
Sending Receiving
Workstation Application Application Workstation
Data Routing
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
Layer 7: Application
The application layer handles the management of the OSI network and
provides the representation of a connection to an end user such as HTTP.
The protocols in this layer also perform network functions such as file and
print.
Data Routing
Network Network
Physical Connection
Physical Physical
This layer does not include the actual application software, but does
include the technologies that allow user software to access network
services such as:
• Printing and viewing.
• Interfacing databases, email, web browsers, and word processing to
network resources.
Examples of TCP/IP protocols running at this layer are HTTP and SMTP.
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Sending Receiving
Workstation Workstation
Application Application
Application-
Oriented Hp Presentation Hp Presentation
Functions
Hs Hp Session Hs Hp Session
H t H s Hp Transport H t Hs Hp Transport
Hn H t Hs Hp Network Hn H t Hs Hp Network
Network
Dependent Hd Hn H t Hs Hp Data Link T Hd Hn H t Hs Hp Data Link T
Functions
Hd Hn H t Hs Hp Physical T Hd Hn H t Hs Hp Physical T
Data
As data crosses the physical medium (Layer 1) to the destination host, the
data flows back up through the layers in the opposite order, from lowest
(physical) to the highest (application) layer. Each layer in the receiving
system communicates with its peer layer in the sending system by reading
and processing the (header) control information. When successive layers
remove all headers, the receiving system sees the data in original format.
It is interesting to note that as data flows from one host to another, each
layer functions as if it alone is involved in communication with its peer
layer at the destination host. Individual layers are unaware of the
functions of layers above and below them.
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Try It Out
Materials Needed
1. Form seven groups, one for each of the seven layers of the OSI model.
Pick a group to join.
If you have already identified a particular layer that matches your area
of interest in networking, you could pick that group. Or you could pick
the layer you know the least about and want to understand better. If
your first choice has too many members, join another group.
For example, if you are most interested in solving problems with users,
you might pick the application layer group; if you want to learn more
about routing and switching, you might join the network layer group. If
bit-stream framing sounds intriguing, join the data link layer group. If
it’s all pretty confusing, think of a number between one and seven and
prepare to learn a lot about that layer.
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Stretch Yourself
Materials Needed
To whomever answers:
Hello, my name is .
I am a networking student in teacher’s name class at school .
I am working on a school assignment to classify information technology
jobs according to the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model.
May I speak briefly with the hiring manager for the opening
which you advertised in the edition of position
newspaper
?
I have just a few questions to ask to fulfill my assignment.
Thank you.
(Repeat as necessary until you have connected with the hiring manager or
leave your name, number, and a time for receiving a requested callback).
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Worksheet: Name_______________________________
Experience: Experience:
Experience: Experience:
Network Wizards
Materials Needed
• None
1. Provide seven one-paragraph statements nominating specific
individuals (staff and/or students) to form a seven-member school
academic network start-up and/or support team:
Within each paragraph, justify your choices in terms of your perception
of knowledge and skills required to deal with responsibilities at each of
the seven OSI layers. Some layers are more difficult to define and
understand than others, but give it your best effort. Refer back to the
key words and descriptors in the group Try It Out activity summary
sheets for guidance.
Examples: A business or computer applications teacher may be
appropriate for applications layer issues where user software
knowledge and customer relations skills are needed. A
maintenance/electrical staff person could handle responsibilities for
physical layer concerns such as cable connections and power supply. A
programmer friend may be the perfect choice for one of the mid-layers.
2. Provide a one-page summary discussing leadership, training, budget,
and any other issues you feel would be critical to success of the effort.
3. Add your documentation to your portfolio.
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Summary
In this lesson, you learned the following:
• The importance of the OSI model.
• The seven layers of the OSI model and how they communicate with one
another.
• The functions performed by each of the OSI model layers.
• To match network elements with their appropriate OSI layer.
• An understanding of the OSI model in the context of information
technology careers.
Part A
Part B
1. List the seven layers of the OSI model in stacked order (Layer 7 at the
top).
2. Describe how the layers of the OSI model communicate with each
other.
Part C
1. Match the OSI layer with the appropriate function from the list below.
Layer Function
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Part D
Scoring
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Resources
Aschermann, Robert (1998). MCSE Networking Essentials for Dummies.
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. Foster City, California.
Bert, Glen (1998). MCSE Networking Essentials: Next Generation
Training Second Edition. New Riders Publishing, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Derfler, Jr., Frank J., & Freed, L. (1998). How Networks Work, Fourth
Edition. Macmillan Computer Publishing/Que Corporation, Indianapolis,
Indiana.
Groth, David. Bergersen, Ben. Catura-Houser, Tim (1999). Network+
Study Guide. Sybex Inc., Alameda, California.
Hayden, Matt. (1998). Sam's Teach Yourself Networking in 24 Hours.
Sam's Publishing, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Keshav, S. (1997). An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking:
ATM Networks, the Internet, and the Telephone Network. Addison-Wesley
Publishing Company, Reading, Massachusetts.
MaranGraphics. (1997). Teach Yourself Networking Visually, IDG
Books Worldwide, Inc., Forest City, California.
Microsoft Corporation (1998). Dictionary of Computer Terms, Microsoft
Press, Redmond, Washington.
Palmer, Michael J. (1998) Hands-On Networking Essentials with Projects,
Course Technology, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Siemon Company (1997). Siemon Guidelines to Industry Standards
[Online]. Available: www.siemon.com/horiz.html [1999, March 3].
Trinity College Dublin, Computer Science Department, Networks &
Telecommunications Research Group (No date). The OSI Reference Model.
Available: ganges.cs.tcd.ie/4ba2/index.html [1999, May 13].