Getting a handle on the invisible part of your network—the protocols that are in use—can be of enormous value in helping you detect problems.

TCP/IP also is a layered protocol but does not use all of the OSI layers, though the layers are equivalent in operation and function (Fig. 2). The network access layer is equivalent to OSI layers ...

This paper explains the 2 popular reference models: OSI reference model and TCP/IP model, by comparing the functionality of each layer in both models.

According to the OSI Model, the session layer is where connections are established, managed, and torn down. For connection-oriented network protocols, understanding how the session layer works ...

Internet Protocol The IP protocol is so adaptable that it has become a common denominator in many communication environments. Physical layer interfaces pass their messages to upper layers that end up ...

What does Ethernet and TCP/IP actually mean? Find out inside PCMag's comprehensive tech and computer-related encyclopedia.