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Glossary of Data Communications Terms
Courtesy Enterprise-Wide Computing, Inc.
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Term:
Systems Network Architecture (SNA)
Definition:
IBM network architecture, defined in terms of its
functions, formats and protocols. A widely used
communications framework developed by IBM to define network
functions and establish standards for enabling computers to
exchange and process data. SNA is a layered network
architecture consisting of the following seven layers
(numbered from lowest [1] to highest [7]): (1) Physical
Control Layer; (2) Data Link Control Layer; (3) Path
Control Layer; (4) Transmission Control Layer; (5) Data
Flow Control Layer; (6) Presentation Services Layer; (7)
Transaction Services Layer. An SNA network is that part of
a user-application network that conforms to the formats and
protocols of Systems Network Architecture. It enables
reliable transfer of data among end users and provides
protocols for controlling the resources of various network
configurations. The SNA network consists of network
accessibl units (NAUs), boundary function, gateway
function, and intermediate session routing function
components; and the transport network.
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