The ISO/OSI model is a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of a network into seven logical layers. Its primary purpose is to guide product development and foster interoperability between different vendors and network technologies. It is a reference model, not an implementation or a protocol used for active network management. The task of querying network devices for operational statistics like packet counts and routing tables is performed by a network management protocol, such as the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which itself operates at the Application Layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model.

A. The OSI model is a fundamental standard reference model for network communications, designed to ensure interoperability.

C. A core objective of the OSI model is to provide a standardized framework that allows dissimilar systems to communicate effectively.

D. The model is explicitly defined by its structure of seven distinct layers, often referred to as the OSI protocol stack.

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1. ISO/IEC 7498-1:1994

Information technology — Open Systems Interconnection — Basic Reference Model: The Basic Model. Section 1

"Scope

" states

"This Reference Model provides a common basis for the coordination of standards development for the purpose of systems interconnection..." It defines the model's purpose as a standard for interoperability

not an active management tool.

2. Kurose

J. F.

& Ross

K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 1

Section 1.5

"Network Layers

" the text describes the OSI model as a conceptual and architectural framework with seven layers

contrasting it with the five-layer Internet protocol stack. It does not describe it as a tool for querying devices.

3. Stallings

W. (2014). Data and Computer Communications (10th ed.). Pearson. Chapter 2

"Protocol Architecture

TCP/IP

and Internet-Based Applications

" describes the OSI model as a "structured set of protocols in layers" and a "model for a computer network architecture." This confirms its role as a standard model (A

D) for enabling communication (C).

4. Case

J.

Mundy

R.

Partain

D.

& Stewart

B. (2002). RFC 3411: An Architecture for Describing Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Management Frameworks. IETF. The abstract clearly defines SNMP's purpose: "An SNMP management system contains... an agent

which has access to management instrumentation." This instrumentation includes data like packet counts

which is distinct from the OSI model's function.