OSI Model
&
TCP/IP Protocol
The OSI Model
The Open Systems Interconnection
Standard maintained by ISO
It’s only a model!
Separates network transmission into 7 layers
Prepare data to be sent Prepare data to be sent
Reassemble data into meaningful information on the
receiving side
Serves as a reference point to compare and
contrast real protocol suites
The 7 Layers
Encapsulation – refers to data descending
through the layers
In each layer, data received from the previous
layer is enclosed or wrapped in new control
layer is enclosed or wrapped in new control
information from the current layer
Data is broken up, packaged, addressed,
sized etc. before being transmitted
The 7 layers
From top (software) to bottom (hardware)
Application
Presentation
Session
Transport
Network
Data Link
Physical
7 – Application Layer
Application
Provides interfaces that software programs (OS & App.)
use to access the network
APIs = Application Programming Interface
Not the application itself!!!
E.g. Firefox is above this layer, it interfaces with or
uses this layer
User authentication handled at this level
Data syntax handled at this level
ASCII, EBCIDIC, UNICODE, etc. ASCII, EBCIDIC,
UNICODE, etc.
6 – Presentation Layer
Translator between the user
applications/OS and the network
Data is converted for network transfer
From OS specific format on sending side
Back to OS specific format on receiving side
Can also provide data encryption and
decryption if necessary
5 – Session Layer
Set up, coordinate and terminate
communication connection for data exchange.
Like a phone call or traffic cop
Provides security by ensuring that all parties
involved are authorized.
Makes chunking of data at lower levels
transparent to applications
4 – Transport Layer
Establishes control flow
Chunks data for transmission
Data from above layer called messages
Chunks called packets
Sequencing number on each packet
Receiver acknowledges receipt
Ensures reliable and complete data
transfer
Segments and reassembles packets if
necessary
3 – Network Layer Network
Addresses and Routes data
Addressing – provides flexible, configurable
hierarchical addressing system (e.g. IP)
Routing – determines the best path from source to
destination
Works with packets
Devices “in” this layer:
Routers
All other devices use software to satisfy this layer
2 – Data Link Layer
Provides error control and synchronization
between sender and receiver
Accomplished by transmission protocol
management
Operates in units of frames
Deals with collisions
Devices “in” this layer
Bridges, Switches, NIC’s
1 – Physical Layer
Provides electrical and mechanical
specifications for hardware directly connected to
the media
Operates in units of bits or electrical pulses
Examples:
Connectors, voltages, wire type and gauge,
electronics that transmit & receive, etc.
Devices “in” this layer:
hubs Cables, connectors, repeaters
