Network Architectures and Protocols

Network Architectures and Protocols

In a communications network, a standard for the interfaces between the hardware, software, and communication channels is
needed commonly known as protocol. However, these standards may be limited to just one manufacturer’s equipment, or just to
one type of data communication. Which is why, computer manufacturers agreed to create a standardization and compatibility
among communication protocol attached on computing equipment. One example of protocol is a standard for the physical and
transmission characteristics of the cables and connectors between terminal, computers, modem and communication lines.

The goal of establishing network architectures is to promote an open, simple, and efficient telecommunications environment. This
is accomplished by the use of standard protocols, standards communications hardware and software interfaces, and the design
of a standard multilevel interface between end users and computer systems.

The International Standard Organization (ISO) has developed a seven-layer Open System Interconnection (OSI) to serve as a
standards model for network architectures. By dividing data communications functions into seven layers, the ISO promoted the
development, operation and maintenance of large telecommunications network.

Below is the illustration of the functions of the seven (7) layers of the OSI model architecture:

Layer 7: Provides protocols necessary for systems applications to gain

access to the network protocol stack. Access is generally gained by use of
Application 7 Application Programming Interfaces (API’s).
Layer

Layer 6: Provides standards for encoding and decoding

transmitted/received data.
Presentation 6
ASCII, JPEG, GIF, MPEG, TIFF and PDF are all examples of standard file
Layer types that can be shared across multiple hardware and software
implementations. The encoding for these are done by layer 6 protocols
Layer 5: Responsible for the orderly establishment, maintenance and
termination of network sessions between users.
Session Layer 5

Layer 4: Has the capability of acknowledging the receipt of packets (framed

bits) and can sequence packets for orderly transmission. It has error
Transport Layer 4 correction functionality and is able to recover from soft transmission errors.

Layer 3: Handles logical network addressing necessary for the system to

recognize the next intended receiver of communication. It also performs
Network Layer 3
network traffic management and routing functionality. Thus, it is responsible
for creating, maintaining and ending network connection.

Layer 2: Responsible for taking the raw data (group of 1s and 0s) and
transforming it into cohesive unit called a frame. Frame contains identifier
Data Link Layer 2 for control information and address information that identifies a particular
workstation in a line of workstations.

Layer 1: Handles the transmission of bits, 1s and 0s (data) over a

communications channel/media (i.e. handles voltage levels, plug and
Physical 1
connection dimension, pin configuration and other mechanical and electrical
Layer issues in a transmission medium).

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 Network Architectures and Protocols

Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN)

Related to the development of network architectures is the development of a set of standards for ISDN. This is a set of
international standard needed to establish public and private communications network capable of handling voice, text, image,
and video communications throughout worldwide. ISDN was designed in the mid 1980s to provide a worldwide public
telecommunications network that would support telephone signals, data, and a multitude of other services both residential and
business users.

Thus, ISDN is both the plan and the international communications standard for the transition of the worlds public telephone
system from analog to digital for the purpose of transmitting all formats of information (voice, video, text, and so on)
simultaneously over a telephone line. So ISDN as standards and format for telecommunication service enables end-users to
enjoy multimedia computing and communications.

ISDN provides services such as facsimile, teletex, and alarm systems, and modern telephone services including call transfer,
caller identification, caller restriction, call forwarding, call waiting, hold, conference call, and credit card calling.

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