Research Project
Due date: April 30th 2009
Network Architecture Models and the Internet operation
Introduction
By the end of 1970s, the International Organization for Standardization had defined the first international
network architecture model for computer communications called the Reference Model for Open Systems
Interconnection, or OSI Model. The OSI model describes how data communications should take place in
computer networks. It divides the process into seven groups of tasks, called layers. According to the OSI
model, data communications should take place as illustrated in Figure 1 (see Appendix). As illustrated in
Figure 1, hardware and software standards (called protocols) govern data transmission between peer layers
in the network. A protocol can be defined as a set of rules for communication between network devices.
Protocols govern data formatting, timing, sequencing, and error control. Without protocols, a computer
cannot make sense of the stream of incoming bits. All nowadays’ networks, including the Internet, use some
kind of network architecture model created based on the OSI Reference model. TCP/IP and Hybrid TCP/IPOSI are among the network architecture models created based on the OSI Reference model.
Your assignment
To use course material, Web-based references, and textbooks relating to the subject matter in order to make a
comprehensive document (10 pages or less) including the following:
1) A general presentation of the OSI reference model
2) A detailed description of the roles or functions each layer in the OSI model
3) A description of the Client/Server processing system used in the Internet operation. This should
include (1) the role of the Client and the role of the server in terms of the specific jobs they perform;
(2) how Client/Server differs from other processing systems like File Server Program Access and
Peer-to-Peer.
4) A description of the Encapsulation/De-encapsulation processes that take place on Client PCs and
Web servers using the Internet (TCP/IP) model or the Hybrid OSI-TCP/IP model.
5) A description of routers’ functions in the Internet operation.
Evaluation Criteria
- Form (clear, concise, easy to follow, logically arranged)
- Content (logical, use and understanding of references and course material)
- Proper indication of your sources (references)
- Use of Web-based as well as textbook references.
Note: No Copy/Paste. Turnitin software will use to track plagiarism.
Note: References must be indicated at appropriate places in your document in the form (Author,
Year:Page). Also, an alphabetical bibliography including all references used must appear on
the last page. (See Appendix for examples of acceptable references formats)
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Some Web-based references:
Buchanan William J., Introduction to Networks,
http://www.dcs.napier.ac.uk/~bill/cnds2002_03/unit01.pdf visited on January 29th, 2009.
Cisco, Internetworking Basics,
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/ito_doc/introint.htm, visited on January 29th,
2009.
IT Architect, Network protocols: Part 1, http://www.itarchitect.com/article/NMG20000720S0002,
visited on January 29th, 2009
IT Architect, Network protocols: Part 2, http://www.itarchitect.com/article/NMG20000726S0007,
visited on January 29th, 2009.
Brain Marshall, “How Web Servers Work”, http://www.howstuffworks.com/web-server.htm visited
on January 29th, 2009.
Franklin Curt “How DSL Works”, http://www.howstuffworks.com/dsl.htm visited on January 29th,
2009.
Some Online dictionaries:
TechEncyclopedia: http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/
Whatis.com: http://www.whatis.com
Protocols.com http://www.protocols.com
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Appendix
Figure 1: OSI reference Model illustrated
Examples of acceptable Textbooks’ reference formats
White, Curt, Business Data Communications and Computer Networks, 3rd edition , Course Technology,
USA, 2004.
White, Curt, (2002) Business Data Communications and Computer Networks, 3rd edition, Course
Technology, USA.
Examples of acceptable Websites’ reference formats
Cisco, The OSI Model explained, www.cisco.com/training/osi.htm visited on January 3rd 2004.
Buchanan William J., Introduction to Networks, http://www.dcs.napier.ac.uk/~bill/cnds2002_03/unit01.pdf
visited on June 18th, 2003.
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