of the network would be aware of the specific jobs performed by every other network element; this would allow for compatibility between networking products that were created by different vendors. By designing networks according to OSI guidelines, the networker was able to combine any group of products, made by any number of vendors, into a functioning computer network (Stamper 28).The OSI model was an extremely successful solution to the problem of multi-vendor product integration. In fact, the OSI model was such a perfect solution to the difficulty that the model is still used today (Shelly, Cashman, and Serwatka 142). One may wonder why the OSI model is so successful. The author believes that the OSI models manner of network-function organization is the cause of OSIs great success: the model defines clearly each function that is essential in inter-computer communications, as well as the relationship between each of these functions. The author will further contend that the scope of OSIs method of communication-functions organization is not limited to inter-computer communications. Rather, the models clear method of organizing the elements of a communications system is an efficient tool for analyzing the elements of any method of communication. The author will now demonstrate this point by evaluating the functionality of the Pony Express according to the layers of the Open Systems Interconnection reference model.By prefacing the analysis of the Pony Express with some background information, a better analysis of the Pony Express system can be performed. Therefore, a short description of the Pony Express will be included at this point. The Pony express opened for business in April 1860, and was operational for sixteen months (Oslin). Its purpose was to transport large volumes of mail across the mid-western and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States, areas that were unpopulated at the time (Dicerto 4). Furthermore, the Pony Express p...
