1. Networks and the OSI model

1.1 Network, local area network, industrial local area network

Several articles have already been devoted to networks and local area networks [H 1 418] , , ; we will not repeat here what can be found there, but will simply introduce the necessary additions, before dealing with the RLI proper.

The term "network" has many uses and meanings. In addition to the expressions already mentioned in the introduction, it also refers to :

• a transmission medium (a fiber optic network, a radio network or, more generally, a wireless network);

• a physical level of transmission (a...