ISO/IEC 14766:1997

Overview

ISO/IEC 14766:1997 is an international standard established by ISO and IEC that specifies a mechanism for using OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) applications over the Internet Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This standard enables OSI upper layers-including session, presentation, and application entities-to operate seamlessly over TCP/IP networks without the need to be aware of the underlying TCP protocol. It effectively bridges OSI application protocols with the TCP/IP stack, maintaining compatibility and supporting interoperability in heterogeneous network environments.

This standard provides functionality similar to the ISO/IEC Transport Protocol Class 4 and is a critical component for organizations leveraging OSI applications within modern Internet-based infrastructures. It should be noted, however, that ISO/IEC 14766:1997 does not provide a gateway facility between Internet and OSI applications, but rather an adaptation mechanism.

Key Topics

• OSI Applications over TCP: The standard defines how upper OSI layers (session, presentation, application) can utilize TCP transport services transparently.
• Adaptation Mechanism: ISO/IEC 14766 incorporates the adaptation described in RFC 1006 (ISO Transport Service on top of TCP), which is an Internet standard facilitating OSI transport service emulation over TCP.
• Interoperability: Ensures OSI TS-Users operating via ISO/IEC 8072 can communicate over TCP/IP networks without changing their operational behavior.
• Reference Standards: The standard references critical documents such as ISO/IEC 8072:1996 (Transport Service Definition) and RFC 1006, which support the adaptation layer.
• Scope Limitation: It explicitly does not cover gateway services for protocol conversion between Internet and OSI applications.
• Implementation Requirement: Conformance requires implementing the defined adaptation mechanism for OSI applications communicating over Internet networks.

Applications

• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Enables legacy OSI-based telecommunications applications to function over modern TCP/IP networks, supporting continuity of service.
• Enterprise System Integration: Facilitates the integration of OSI-compliant software systems into IP network environments without modifying application layers.
• Network Interconnection: Allows organizations to maintain OSI protocol stacks while leveraging the scalability and ubiquity of TCP/IP internetworks.
• Data Transmission Services: Supports reliable and standardized data exchange by utilizing the transport capabilities of TCP for OSI applications.
• Information Exchange Between Systems: Enhances interoperability in heterogeneous system environments by providing a standardized OSI-over-TCP communication method.

Related Standards

• ISO/IEC 8072:1996 – Defines the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) transport service which forms the basis for the transport layer functionality adapted in ISO/IEC 14766.
• RFC 1006 (Internet Standard 35) – Details the protocol for providing ISO Transport Service on top of TCP, serving as the foundation for the adaptation layer defined in this standard.
• OSI Model (ISO/IEC 7498) – The reference framework underpinning OSI layers, ensuring structured and layered communication protocols.
• TCP/IP Protocol Suite – The underpinning transport and network protocols enabling Internet communication, over which OSI applications are adapted per this standard.

By implementing ISO/IEC 14766, organizations can ensure standardized, robust interoperability of OSI applications over widely deployed TCP/IP networks, thereby extending the life and utility of OSI protocols in modern IT and telecommunications ecosystems.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 14766, OSI applications, TCP, RFC 1006, OSI over TCP, network interconnection, telecommunications standards, transport protocol adaptation, ISO/IEC 8072, information exchange, Internet protocols, TCP/IP internetwork, OSI upper layers, network interoperability.