What model was developed to describe networking?

To address the problem, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) researched networks schemes like DECNET, SNA, and TCP/IP.As a result of this research, the ISO recognized there was a need to create a network model that would help vendors create networks that would work compatibly and interoperably with other networks. The OSI Reference Model, released in 1984, was the descriptive scheme they created. By creating the OSI model, the ISO was providing vendors with a set of standards thus ensuring greater compatibility and interoperability between the various types of network technologies that were being produced by many companies around the world.

DECNET - Group of communications products (including a protocol suite) developed and supported by Digital Equipment Corporation. DECnet/OSI (also called DECnet Phase V) is the most recent iteration and supports both OSI protocols and proprietary Digital protocols. Phase IV Prime supports inherent MAC addresses that allow DECnet nodes to coexist with systems running other protocols that have MAC address restrictions.

SNA - Systems Network Architecture. Large, complex, feature-rich network architecture developed in the 1970s by IBM. Similar in some respects to the OSI reference model, but with a number of differences. SNA is essentially composed of seven layers.

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Common name for the suite of protocols developed by the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s to support the construction of worldwide internetworks. TCP and IP are the two best-known protocols in the suite.

Interoperability - Ability of computing equipment manufactured by different vendors to communicate with one another successfully over a network.

OSI Reference Model - Open System Interconnection reference model. Network architectural model developed by ISO and ITUT-T The model consists of seven layers, each of which specifies particular network functions such as addressing, flow control, error control, encapsulation, and reliable message transfer. The highest layer (the application layer) is closest to the user; the lowest layer (the physical layer) is closest to the media technology. The lowest layer is implemented in hardware. The next to lowest layer is implemented in hardware and software, while the upper five layers are implemented only in software. The OSI reference model is used universally as a method for teaching and understanding network functionality.

ITUT-T - International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) (formerly the Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone [CCITT])---An international organization that develops communication standards.

Standards - Set of rules or procedures that are either widely used or officially specified. See also defacto standard.