Overview
ISO/IEC 14700:1997 - Information technology - Open Systems Interconnection - Network Fast Byte Protocol - defines a network-layer protocol and encoding rules intended for use within the OSI Reference Model. Published jointly with ITU-T (identical to ITU-T Rec. X.633), the standard specifies procedures and Network Protocol Data Unit (NPDU) structures for transferring data and control information over a connection-mode data link service. It emphasizes simplicity and a constrained set of data-link quality assumptions rather than optimizations.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope: Procedures for NPDU transfer and the structure/encoding of NPDUs between peer network entities; interactions with network service users and the data link service provider.
- NPDU lifecycle: Rules for connection establishment, connection refusal, normal and abnormal release, error indication and user-initiated resets.
- Data transfer mechanics: Segmenting and reassembling, qualifier-bit handling, invalid NPDU behavior and data/control separation.
- FB-NPDU structure: Header, control and data parts with specified encoding rules for interoperability.
- Conformance: Clause on conformance requirements and a Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS) proforma (Annex A) to document implemented options and capabilities.
- Subnetwork adaptation: Annex B provides a Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Function (for subnetworks employing out-of-band signalling).
- Normative references: Built on OSI fundamentals and related ITU-T/ISO standards (e.g., ITU-T X.200/X.213/X.212 and ISO/IEC 7498-1/8348/8886), establishing consistent terminology and testing guidance.
Applications and Who Uses It
- Implementers and vendors: Developers of network-layer stacks or embedded protocols who need a simple, interoperable network protocol for environments using connection-mode data link services.
- System designers and integrators: Architects building OSI-compliant systems or integrating legacy OSI network components.
- Testers and procurers: Organizations creating test suites, conformance checklists, and procurement specifications - the PICS proforma helps specify feature support.
- Network engineers: Teams maintaining or migrating networks that interoperate using OSI network-layer protocols and require clear rules for NPDU handling and error procedures.
Practical deployments are likely where constrained, predictable data-link behavior is available and a lightweight OSI network-layer protocol (Network Fast Byte Protocol) is preferred.
Related Standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 14700, Network Fast Byte Protocol, OSI, NPDU, network layer protocol, connection-mode data link service, conformance, PICS, FB-NPDU, segmenting and reassembling.