Fundamentals of EMS, NMS and OSS/BSS

Chapter 10

Seven-Layer Communication Model

This chapter is intended to provide the reader with an understanding of the ISO/OSI communication model. Any communication between two elements or devices is possible only when they are able to understand each other. The set of rules of interaction is called a protocol and the tasks in the interaction can be grouped under seven layers. At the end of this chapter the reader will have an understanding of the seven layers and the tasks and protocols associated with each layer.

10.1 Introduction

OSI (open system interconnect) seven layer communication model was developed by ISO as a framework for interoperability and the Internet working between devices or elements in the network (see Figure 10.1). The ...