OSI and TCP-IP model
OSI and TCP-IP model
OSI and TCP-IP model
Protocol/Internet Protocol) Model are two conceptual frameworks that describe how different
network protocols interact to enable communication between devices over a network. While the OSI
model is more theoretical and provides a comprehensive view of how networks should function, the
TCP/IP model is more practical and closely mirrors the actual functioning of the internet. Below is a
detailed explanation of the OSI model and a comparison with the TCP/IP model.
The OSI model was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1984 to
create a universal framework for data communication systems. It divides network functions into 7
layers, each with a specific role in the communication process.
Function: The physical layer deals with the transmission of raw binary data (bits) over a
physical medium, such as cables, fiber optics, or radio waves.
Responsibilities:
o Converts bits into electrical signals (or optical/light pulses in fiber optics) for
transmission.
o Handles physical hardware aspects like voltage levels, timing, pin layouts, and signal
encoding.
Function: Responsible for node-to-node data transfer, error detection and correction, and
flow control. It prepares data packets for transfer to the physical layer.
Responsibilities:
o Ensures reliable transfer of frames between two adjacent nodes on the same
network.
Sub-layers:
o Logical Link Control (LLC): Handles flow control, multiplexing, and error checking.
o Media Access Control (MAC): Manages access to the physical medium (controls how
devices in a network gain access to the data and permission to transmit).
Function: Handles the routing of data packets between devices on different networks (inter-
networking). This is where logical addressing and routing occur.
Responsibilities:
o Routing: Determines the best path for data to travel across multiple networks.
o Fragmentation and Reassembly: Breaks down large packets into smaller ones and
reassembles them at the destination.
Function: Ensures reliable data transmission between host devices. It manages flow control,
error correction, and segmentation.
Responsibilities:
o Flow Control: Manages the rate of data transmission between the sender and
receiver.
o Port Addressing: Uses port numbers to ensure data is sent to the correct application.
Responsibilities:
Function: Responsible for the translation of data between the application layer and the
lower layers. It ensures that data is presented in a readable format for the application.
Responsibilities:
o Data Translation: Converts data between different formats (e.g., from ASCII to
EBCDIC).
o Data Compression: Reduces the size of the data to optimize bandwidth usage.
Function: Provides network services directly to the user applications. It’s the closest layer to
the end-user and provides the interface between the user and the network.
Responsibilities:
o Manages network services like file transfers, email, and remote access.
o Ensures that data is properly formatted for the end user’s application.
The TCP/IP model, also known as the Internet Protocol Suite, was developed by the U.S. Department
of Defense to describe the protocols used in the internet. It is more practical and consists of 4 layers:
Corresponds to both the Physical and Data Link layers in the OSI model.
Function: Deals with the physical transmission of data, as well as MAC addressing and error
correction for data frames.
2. Internet Layer
Function: Handles logical addressing (IP addresses) and routing, ensuring data is transferred
across multiple networks.
3. Transport Layer
Protocols: TCP (ensures reliability), UDP (used for faster, connectionless communication).
4. Application Layer
Combines the functions of the Session, Presentation, and Application layers from the OSI
model.
Function: Provides protocols that applications use to interact with the network, and
manages session control, data formatting, and encryption.
Security OSI doesn’t have a dedicated security layer, Security mechanisms like SSL/TLS
Consideration though security mechanisms are part of are part of the Application layer
Feature OSI Model TCP/IP Model
various layers
Key Differences:
1. Number of Layers: The OSI model has 7 layers, while the TCP/IP model has 4 layers.
2. Layer Merging: The OSI model’s Application, Presentation, and Session layers are combined
into a single Application layer in the TCP/IP model.
3. Purpose: OSI is primarily a theoretical model used as a teaching tool, whereas TCP/IP is a
practical framework used in real-world networking, particularly the internet.
4. Protocol Orientation: TCP/IP model is protocol-specific (e.g., TCP, IP), whereas OSI is more
abstract and not tied to specific protocols.