Progress on the network layer of the OSI reference model
Peter F. Linington · 1983
Work in the International Standards Organization on communication protocols is structured in terms of the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model. The network layer of this model provides independence of network technology, including details of routing and switching. The standardization activities involve definition of the service provided by this layer in the Open Systems Interconnection structure, the organization of functions within the layer, and the specification of protocols to support them. The structure described allows communication systems to exploit a wide range of different network types while preserving a uniform set of user facilities. The work on the network layer is of vital importance to the acceptance of the new communication standards and their early application to practical networking problems.