A heterogeneous network (predict the users in freedom of choice) exist out products from different suppliers of computers, hardware,

software, periphery and/or network-products.

An architectural model developed by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) is frequently used to describe the structure and function of data communication protocols. This architectural model, called the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) Reference Model, contains seven layers that define the functions of data communications protocols. Each layer represents a function performed when data is transferred between co-operating applications across an intervening network. A layer does not define a single protocol, it defines a data communications function that may be performed by any number of protocols. Therefore, each layer may contain multiple protocols, each providing a service suitable to the function of that layer. Every protocol communicates with its peer. A peer is an implementation of the same protocol in the equivalent layer on a remote system. Each protocol is only concerned with communicating to its peer, it does not care about the layer above or below it. However, there must also be agreement on how to pass data between the layers on a single computer, because every layer is involved in sending data from a local application to an equivalent remote application. The individual layers do not need to know how the layers above and below them function, they only need to know how to pass data to them. Isolating network communications functions in different layers minimises the impact of technological change on the entire protocol suite. New applications can be added without changing the physical network, and new network hardware can be installed without rewriting the application software. Although the OSI model is useful, the TCP/IP protocols don't match its structure exactly.

Communication Protocols:

The approach used to designing a communication system is known as a layered architecture. Each layer has specific responsibilities and specific rules for carrying out those responsibilities, and knows nothing about the procedures the other layers follow. The layer carries out its task and delivers the message to the next layer in the process, and that is enough.

Characteristics of Layered Architectures:

They break the communication process into manageable chunks. Designing a small part of a process is much easier than designing the entire process, and simplifies engineering.

 A change at one layer does not affect the other layers. New delivery technology's can be introduced without affecting other layers.

When a layer receives a message from an upper layer, the lower layer frequently encloses the message in a distinct package.

The protocols at the various layers have the appearance of a stack, and a complete model of a data communication architecture is often called a protocol stack.

Layers can be mixed and matched to achieve different requirements.

Layers follow specific procedures for communicating with adjacent layers. The interfaces between layers must be clearly defined.

An address mechanism is the common element that allows packets to be routed through the various layers until it reaches its destination. Sometimes, layers add their own address information.

Essentially, each layer at the sender's end communicates with the corresponding layer at the receiver's end.

Errors can occur at any of the layers. For critical messages, error-detecting mechanisms should be in place to either correct errors or notify the sender when they occur.

Network protocols are typically described with a layered model, in which the protocols are stacked on top of each other. Data coming into a machine is passed from the lowest-level protocol up to the highest, and data sent to other hosts moves down the protocol stack. The layered model is a useful description because it allows network services to be defined with their functions, rather than their specific implementation. New protocols can be substituted at lower levels without affecting the higherlevel protocols, as long as these new protocols behave in the same manner as those that were replaced. Each layer has certain functions. Communication in a heterogeneous network can take place if the functions in each layer successfully are executed conform with the standards.