D-Link DES-3326 User Manual - Internet Protocols
DES-3326 Layer 3 Fast Ethernet Switch User’s Guide
Switch Management and Operating Concepts
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Internet Protocols
This is a brief introduction to the suite of Internet Protocols
frequently referred to as TCP/IP. It is intended to give the
reader a reasonable understanding of the available facilities and
some familiarity with terminology. It is not intended to be a
complete description.
Protocol Layering
The Internet Protocol (IP) divides the tasks necessary to route and
forward packets across networks by using a layered approach.
Each layer has clearly defined tasks, protocol, and interfaces for
communicating with adjacent layers, but the exact way these tasks
are accomplished is left to individual software designers. The
Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) seven-layer model has been
adopted as the reference for the description of modern networking,
including the Internet.
A diagram of the OSI model is shown below (note that this is not a
complete listing of the protocols contained within each layer of the
model):