The OSI network layer: Standards to cope with the real world

Two key aspects of the OSI Network Layer which require standardization are the definition of the "service" provided by the Network Layer to the Transport Layer and the specification of the way in which "real networks" are to be utilized to provide this "Network Service." This paper describes the results of the work to date by CCITT and ISO in these two very important areas: 1) the Network Service Definition which is near final agreement; and 2) the emerging Network Layer "internal architecture" which is being used to discuss and develpoment strategies for internetworking with real networks.