A Meta-Protocol Architecture for Connecting Computer Networks

Abstract

Accompanying the proliferation of computer networks has been a movement to connect them into cooperating internets. However, when attempting to so, the different protocols used to satisfy these once isolated networks are found to incompatible. Due to its reliable nature, the transport layer from ISO's OSI Reference Model is chosen as the point of attachment for subnets and internet gateways. In this role, it is expected to supply traditional transport and inherited services. A meta-protocol architecture is proposed to relay these services from one subnet to the next, until internet messages arrive at their destination. The architecture is based upon each subnet providing two conversion routines -- one from the subnet protocol to the meta-protocol, the other, back to its own protocol. A simulated internet, demonstrating the capabilities of the meta-protocol approach, is described. Keywords: Theses, Information exchange.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA196319

Entities

People

  • J. B. Lindsey

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Communications
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Science
  • Computers
  • Data Links
  • Digital Communications
  • Electronic Mail
  • Heterogeneous Networks
  • Information Processing
  • Local Area Networks
  • Mainframe Computers
  • Network Architecture
  • Network Protocols
  • Network Science
  • Transport Protocols

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computer Networking
  • Educational Psychology