A communication protocol is generally a rule system that allows entities of the communication system for information transmission. The protocol defines the synchronization of communication, rules, and syntax. Protocols might be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both.
HDLC and SDLC are two of the protocols that provide interconnection of point to multipoint between computers. They both are communication protocols used at the layer of a data link of computer networks. Still, there are several distinctions between HDLC and SDLC.
HDLC vs SDLC
The main difference between HDL C and SDLC is the transfer modes. HDLC supports three transfer modes with NRM, where is SDLC supports only one transfer mode, namely NRM. HDLC was developed by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), whereas SDLC was developed by IBM (International Business Machines Corporation).
The abbreviation for high-level data link control is HDLC. It was developed by ISO or simply an international organization for standardization. It provides both connectionless service and connection-oriented. Nowadays, it is exclusively used to connect one device to another by using ABM (Asynchronous Balanced Mode).
The abbreviation for systems development life cycle is SDLC. It is a process for deploying, testing, creating, and planning an information system. It is a concept applies to a range of software and hardware configuration. As a system, it can be composed of software, hardware only, or a combination of both.
Comparison Table Between HDLC and SDLC
| Parameters of Comparison | HDLC | SDLC |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretation | It is a group of rules or protocols for data transmitting between network points. | It refers to a methodology in which the process for creating high-quality software is clearly defined. |
| Developer | ISO (International Organization for Standardization) | IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) |
| Developed | In 2002 | In 1975 |
| Standard | ISO/IEC 13239 | ISO/IEC 12207 |
| Packet sizes | Multiples of bit octets | 8, 16, 32, and so forth |
What is HDLC?
HDLC or high-level data link control is generally a group of rules or protocols for data transmission between network points. It is a bit-oriented protocol of an asynchronous data link layer. It was created by the international organization for standardization or ISO.
The data in HDLC is organized into a unit or frame and across a network sent to a destination that verifies its arrival successfully. It also manages the pacing or flow at which data is sent. In the IP or Internet protocols, HDLC is used most frequently.
HDLC is based on the SDLC protocol of IBM. The use of HDLC in the networking industry is to derive many other standards which are used today. It is also the framing mechanism basis that utilizes PPP on synchronous lines which are used to connect WAN internet links to multiple servers.
While sending frames of HDLC, the frame check sequence is either a 32-bit CRC-32 or a 16-bit CRC-C CITT transmitted over information. HDLC frames provide receivers to use algorithms for the detection of errors that might be created during transmission. As a standard protocol, it is generally used by several hardware makers
What is SDLC?
The SDLC or software development life cycle is a framework that is generally used in project management. It describes the tasks and stages involved in deploying the instructions and each step of writing and data computers to execute specific tasks.
An important goal is to efficiently and quickly produce high-quality software in steps or series of phases. The number of steps in this protocol will vary depending on the software of business and business product goals. For example, software at a basic level is designed, developed, tested, and released.
When it comes to releasing until the software gets discontinued it is maintained. Generally, there are steps between five and seven- although there are chances of more. Popular SDLC models include are RAD, JAD, prototype model, spiral model, V model, synchronize and stabilize the model.
When developing software, there is a myriad of software SDLC models to choose from. Many models can be combined to form a hybrid methodology. For a given application regardless of the kind of SDLC model, the documentation is crucial and generally done in parallel with the process of development.
Main Differences Between HDLC and SDLC
- HDLC is a standard protocol and is generally used by several hardware makers. On the flip side, SDLC is used in only some IBM hardware.
- ABM or Asynchronous Balanced Mode is a feature considered more superior and used more often than the older NRM and ARM. This feature is supported by HDLC but not by SDLC.
- When it comes to transferring modes, HDLC supports three transfer modes with NRM, whereas SDLC supports only one transfer mode, namely NRM.
- HDLC has an option for the checksum of 32 bit but does not support the configurations of Loop or Hub go-ahead. On the flip side, SDLC does support the configurations of Loop or Hub go-ahead.
- HDLC is considered a superset of SDLC because SDLC was submitted to various standards committees by IBM and among one of the committees, namely ISO modified SDLC led to the creation of HDLC protocol.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that both HDLC and SDLC are the communication protocol that provides interconnection of point to multipoint between computers. They both are used at the layer of a data link of computer networks. The abbreviation for high-level data link control is HDLC, while the abbreviation for systems development life cycle is SDLC.
In terms of transfer modes, HDLC supports three transfer modes with NRM. On the flip side, SDLC supports only one transfer mode, namely NRM. The packet sizes for HDLC are multiples of bit octets. But 8, 16, 32, and so forth are the packet sizes of SDLC. Because HDLC is a standard protocol, it is generally used by several hardware makers, whereas SDLC is used in only some IBM hardware.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0376507578900193