OSI Model

The open systems interconnection (OSI) model was created to standardize the rules of
networking in order for all systems to be able to communicate. In order for
communication to occur on a networking using different device drivers and protocol
stacks, the rules for communication must be explicitly defined. The OSI model deals
with the following issues;

• How a device on a network sends it's data, and how it knows when are where to
send it
• How a device on a network receives it's data, and how to know where to look for
it.
• How devices using different languages communicate with each other.
• How devices on a network are physically connected to each other.
• How protocols work with devices on a network to arrange data.

The OSI model is broken down into the following 7 layers.

Data Network
Layer Function Protocols/Standards
Component Component
This layer offers
the user interface
and specifies what's
Telnet, HTTP, FTP,
7) Application being done on the Messages Gateway
and SMTP.
network and how.

The sixth layer is

concerned with
extracting data
from the
6) application layer JPEG, GIF, MPEG,
Messages Gateway
Presentation and putting the data and ASCII.
in a format that can
be read based on
various file
standards.
5) Session Controls the DECnet, RPC, NFS Messages Gateway
beginning, middle, and SQL.
and end of
individual
networking
 "sessions."
Layer 4 is involved
primarily as a
gateway between
the upper
4) Transport TCP, UDP, and SPX. Segments Brouter/Gateway
application-oriented
layers and the
lower network-
oriented protocols.
Defines end-to-end
delivery of
information. This Router
includes such IP,RIP,ICMP IPX,
functions as routing
Packets or
3) Network and routing NWLink
datagrams
protocols. Ex: this ATM Switch
layer defines the NetBEUI
addressing and
routing structure of
the Internet.
 Logical •
Link
Control error
correction and
flow control

manages link
control and Bridge
defines SAPs

Switch
Specifies a direct
means of HDLC, SDLC,
2) ISDN Router
communication on Frame Relay, PPP,
Data Frames
the network. It's FDDI, and
Link Media Intelligent Hub
Access best thought of as a ATM,LAPB,
Contro one-hop protocol. NIC
•

communicates
with the
adapter card

• controls the
type of media
being used:

Defines the
physical
components that
make the network Repeater
function. This
includes cabling Multiplexer
standards and
electrical or light UTP,STP, Fiber, V.35, Hubs
1) Physical Bits
communication X.21,RS-232
methods. Standards • Passive
in the Physical • Active
layer are usually
defined by
international
standards
committees.

Partial list of TCP/IP protocols in relation to the seven-layer model