Network Standards
The standards are the precise documents containing technical and physical specifications about the network being designed. Normally those standards are taken into consideration and are worldwide acceptable.
By following the network standards, the networks can be reliable and efficient. Normally, two types of standards are followed. These are:
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- De Facto standard
- De Jure standard
1. De Facto Standard
De facto means “by tradition” or “by facts”. These standards were developed without any formal plan and came to existence because of historical developments. These standards have not been approved by on organized networks governing body. These standards are often established by manufacturer that defines the functionality of a new technology or product.
2. Dc Jure Standard
Dc lure means “according to law or regulation”. These standards have been properly approved by the networks governing body.
There are several international organizations that are involved in establishing communication standards and protocols. Few of these governing bodies are:
i) CCITT
CCITT stands for Consultative Committee on International Telegraph and Telephone. CCITT is United Nations agency. It is responsible for defining standards. for telephone, telegraph and data communication. The most important standard defined by CCITT is known as X25, which is used in Wide Area Network. The X25 standard is mostly used by the telephone companies of the world.
The X25 standard is also used to connect local area networks to form a large wide-area network. A network of networks in which individual local area networks are joined together is called wide area network.
ii) IEEE
IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IEEE is another largest organization of the world that defines the communication protocols. There are four main communication protocols, which are used in local area networks. IEEE has published three of these four protocols. These are:
- Ethernet also known as IEEE 802.3
- Token Bus also known as IEEE 802.4
- Token Ring also known as IEEE 802.5
iii) ISO (International Standard Organization)
ISO is the most popular international organization and is responsible for publishing standards in various fields. It also publishes the communication standards.
