A universal network-independent interface based on the OSI network service: Some basic thoughts

Abstract

The need for a network-technology-independent universal interface that could be used to attach any type of Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) to any kind of network is identified and a way suggested as to how this can be achieved. Also identified is the place where such an interface may be located meaningfully within the framework of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model. Based on the OSI Reference Model a magnified abstract service model is developed allowing a detailed and unambigous functional description of a universal interface. The model is suitable for deriving any interface directly from a service definition. Elementary interactions comprising service primitives, and dynamic and static entities are used in this abstract model. It is established that a universal interface must be a “pure” service interface and that it must be located conceptionally between the Network Layer and the Transport Layer of the OSI Reference Model because of the network independence required. Implementation of such a universal network-technology-independent interface is discussed.