Re: [Hist Trivia] IP Protocol Layers

[Mahadevan Iyer <miyer at ece.uci.edu>]

Joe Touch wrote:

> Jon Crowcroft wrote:
> >
> > on reflection (pun intended):
> > layering is a clothing methodology for people who live in fractal climates
> > not a design pattern for correct or efficient communications
> > systems....
> >  cheers
> >
> >    jon
>
> Another adage:
>
>         model != mechanism
>
> I.e., layering is, IMO at least, a model. Fine for
> describing things, but not necessarily a good blueprint
> for an implementation.
>

A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved.
Good models are often useful in gaining basic insights into a problem..a good
starting point for design before you plunge into the thicket of bewildering
details. (I am not passing any judgements on OSI or layering here :) )