ISO 11783作为一个整体规定了一个串行数据网络，用于林业或农业拖拉机以及安装、半安装、牵引或自推进机具的控制和通信。其目的是标准化传感器、执行器、控制元件以及信息存储和显示单元之间的数据传输方法和格式，无论是安装在拖拉机或机具上，还是拖拉机或机具的一部分。ISO 11783-4:2011描述了网络层，它定义了ISO 11783网络不同部分中控制功能（CFs）之间通信所需的要求和服务。 ISO 11783-4:2011中定义了各种类型的网络互连单元。

ISO 11783 as a whole specifies a serial data network for control and communications on forestry or agricultural tractors and mounted, semi？mounted, towed or self-propelled implements. Its purpose is to standardize the method and format of transfer of data between sensor, actuators, control elements and information storage and display units, whether mounted on, or part of, the tractor or implement. ISO 11783-4:2011 describes the network layer, which defines the requirements and services needed for communication between control functions (CFs) in different segments of the ISO 11783 network. The various types of network interconnection units are defined in ISO 11783-4:2011.