Overview
ISO/IEC 10742:1994/Amd 2:1996 is an amendment to the international standard that defines management information elements for the OSI Data Link Layer and, specifically, provides implementation conformance statement (ICS) proformas. Amendment 2 adds normative annexes (E–H) containing proforma templates-MCS (Management Conformance Summary), MICS, MOCS, and MRCS-and updates conformance and protocol-related references. The amendment is intended for suppliers and test labs to document and claim conformance of Data Link Layer management implementations.
Key topics and requirements
- ICS Proformas (Annexes E–H): Normative templates for MCS, MICS, MOCS and MRCS that suppliers must complete to claim conformance. Proformas must remain technically identical to the annex templates (only pagination/headers may change).
- Conformance model:
- Static conformance: Explicit role-based claims - manager role, agent role, or both - documented in Table E.1 and related tables.
- Dynamic conformance: Support for procedures and semantic definitions corresponding to claimed features.
- Protocol-specific conformance: Implementations must support at least one protocol listed in Table E.2 (e.g., references to ISO 7776, ISO/IEC 8802-2 (LLC), ISO/IEC 8802 MAC).
- Encoding and transfer syntax: Implementations shall use the transfer syntax derived from the encoding rules specified in CCITT Rec. X.209 / ISO/IEC 8825 (ASN.1 basic encoding rules) - referenced as joint-iso-ccitt asn1 basicEncoding.
- Required supplier information: Completed MCS must include identification of the implementation, date, contact details, supported roles, supported protocols, and references to any implemented corrigenda or amendments.
- Normative cross-references: Conformance and completion instructions reference ITU‑T Rec. X.724 / ISO/IEC 10165-6 and conformance testing frameworks (ITU‑T X.296 / ISO/IEC 9646 parts), as well as X.282 / ISO/IEC 10742 relationships.
Practical applications and users
- Network equipment vendors and software suppliers: To document, demonstrate and publish compliance of Data Link Layer management agents and managers.
- Conformance/test laboratories: To evaluate implementations against the OSI Data Link Layer management information model using standardized ICS proformas.
- System integrators and procurement teams: To compare vendor conformance claims (MCS/MICS/MOCS/MRCS) when selecting equipment supporting LAPB, LLC, MAC or related Data Link Layer protocols.
- Standards and compliance officers: For maintaining records of supported protocols, applied corrigenda/amendments, and implementing required encoding rules.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 10742:1994/Amd 2:1996, OSI Data Link Layer, implementation conformance statement, MCS, MICS, MOCS, MRCS, ASN.1, basic encoding rules, conformance testing, ITU‑T X.724.