Chapter 6: Data Link and Physical Layer Protocols

Chapter 6: Data Link and Physical Layer Protocols

IEEE 802 Standards

Beginning in 1980, the IEEE began work on Project 802, an effort to prepare local area network standards. By 1986, the 802 committee had published the first five standards. An introductory document, Standard 802.1, describes the relationship of the various standards in the 802 family and relates them to the OSI model described in Chapter 3 . In addition, 802.1 explains the relationship between the 802 protocols and higher level protocols, discussing issues associated with interconnecting and managing networks in the process.

Figure 6-1: Relationship of the IEEE 802 Standards

Other 802 family documents are related as shown in Figure 6-1. Notice that this figure follows the OSI layered model with the exception of splitting the Data Link Layer into two sublayers ? the Logical Link Control (LLC) Layer and the Media Access Control (MAC) Layer. The LLC Layer is common to all 802 family standards and is discussed in 802.2. The MAC Layer varies depending upon which 802-series standard is being discussed. As a crutch to remember which layer is which, remember that in local area networks, most logic functions are done in firmware or software (i.e., upper parts of the OSI model), whereas the media are at the bottom of the OSI model. Thus, the Logical Link Control is above the Media Access Control.

The 802 committee is organized into the following subcommittees:


	?	802.1 High Level Interface


	?	802.2 Logical Link Control

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Local Area Networks: An Introduction to the Technology

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Chapter 6: Data Link and Physical Layer Protocols

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