Chapter 8: A Communications Framework

Overview

com*mu*ni*ca*tion n : the transfer of information between two or more people or devices over a medium

Communication occurs all around us in many forms. Usually, when communication happens, it is between two things that can easily understand each other. For example, two people in the same country who speak the same language can communicate with little or no problem. The same can be said for species of birds. They understand each other. But not everyone speaks the same language, and there are thousands of types of birds. Needless to say, life and work can get difficult when communication breaks down.

Communication between computers can be challenging. There are many types of computers that can communicate in any number of forms. Making them able to talk to one another and understand the information being passed is a whole other challenge. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model helps make communication between devices work.

In this chapter, you will learn about:

• The need for a standard communications model

• The flow of data in the model

• The seven layers of the OSI model