The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is
a conceptual framework that defines network functions
and schemes. The framework simplifies complex
network interactions by breaking them into
simple modular elements. This open-standards
approach allows many independent developers to
work on separate network functions, which can
then be combined in a “plug-and-play” manner.
The OSI model serves as a guideline for creating
and implementing network standards, devices, and
internetworking schemes. Advantages of using the
OSI model include the following:
• It breaks interrelated aspects of network operation
into less-complex elements.
• It enables companies and individual engineers to
specialize design and development efforts on
modular functions.
• It provides standard interfaces for plug-and-play
compatibility and multivendor integration.
• It abstracts different layers of the network from
each other to provide easier adoption of new
technologies within a layer.