Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Introduction
The first part of this chapter covers basic network concepts such as the
OSI and TCP/IP network models along with details about the TCP/IP
implementation. The second part of this chapter covers the concepts and
components of the different types of the Solaris 9 configurations, including
standalone systems, diskless clients, and AutoClients.
Networking Models
Although a variety of networking models have been developed over the
years, most of the commercially available networks use one of the two fol-
lowing models:
The Open System Interconnection (OSI) model
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The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model
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Of these two, TCP/IP is the predominate model.
The Open System Interconnection (OSI)
Model
The OSI network model developed by the International Standards
Organization (ISO) consists of seven layers of services. Each layer is respon-
sible for handling a different aspect of network communication.
When sending data, each layer performs its processing on the data and pass-
es it to the next lower layer. When receiving data, each layer performs its
processing on the data and passes it to the next higher layer.
This layered approach allows different types of processing (services) to be
developed without having to develop all layers of the model. The new serv-
ice is linked into the “stack of layers” or
protocol stack
at the appropriate layer
(see Figure 10.1).
The seven ISO/OSI layers (from lowest to the highest) are:
Physical Layer:
The first layer is concerned with the physical interface
between devices. It controls the transmission of a bit stream over the
physical medium and deals with the mechanical and electrical character-
istics of the physical medium.
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