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The 7 Layers of the OSI Model - Webopedia

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The 7 Layers of the OSI Model

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Updated March 11, 2014 / Posted September 24, 1999

Related Terms
The OSI, or Open System Interconnection, model defines
a networking framework to implement protocols in seven
layers. Control is passed from one layer to the next, starting
at the application layer in one station, and proceeding to the
bottom layer, over the channel to the next station and back
up the hierarchy.

OSI - Open System

Interconnection
MAC Layer
Logical Link Control layer
routing switch
Modbus protocol
PDU

There's really nothing to the OSI model. In fact, it's not even
tangible. The OSI model doesn't do any functions in the networking process, It is a conceptual

framework so we can better understand complex interactions that are happening. The OSI model
takes the task of internetworking and divides that up into what is referred to as a vertical stack that
consists of the following layers:

Physical (Layer 1)
This layer conveys the bit stream - electrical impulse, light or radio signal -- through the network at
the electrical and mechanical level. It provides the hardware means of sending and receiving data on a
carrier, including defining cables, cards and physical aspects. Fast Ethernet, RS232, and ATM are
protocols with physical layer components.
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- Layer 1 Physical examples include Ethernet, FDDI, B8ZS, V.35, V.24, RJ45.

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Data Link (Layer 2)

At this layer, data packets are encoded and decoded into bits. It furnishes transmission protocol
knowledge and management and handles errors in the physical layer, flow control and frame
synchronization. The data link layer is divided into two sub layers: The Media Access Control (MAC)

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- Layer 2 Data Link examples include PPP, FDDI, ATM, IEEE 802.5/ 802.2, IEEE
802.3/802.2, HDLC, Frame Relay,

Network (Layer 3)
This layer provides switching and routing technologies, creating logical paths, known as virtual
circuits, for transmitting data from node to node. Routing and forwarding are functions of this layer, as
well as addressing, internetworking, error handling, congestion control and packet sequencing.
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The 7 Layers of the OSI Model - Webopedia

- Layer 3 Network examples include AppleTalk DDP, IP, IPX.

Network, Microsoft and more

Transport (Layer 4)
This layer provides transparent transfer of data between end systems, or hosts, and is responsible for
end-to-end error recovery and flow control. It ensures complete data transfer.
- Layer 4 Transport examples include SPX, TCP, UDP.

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Session (Layer 5)
This layer establishes, manages and terminates connections between applications. The session layer

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- Layer 5 Session examples include NFS, NetBios names, RPC, SQL.

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Presentation (Layer 6)
This layer provides independence from differences in data representation (e.g., encryption) by
translating from application to network format, and vice versa. The presentation layer works to

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transform data into the form that the application layer can accept. This layer formats and encrypts
data to be sent across a network, providing freedom from compatibility problems. It is sometimes
called the syntax layer.
- Layer 6 Presentation examples include encryption, ASCII, EBCDIC, TIFF, GIF, PICT,
JPEG, MPEG, MIDI.

Application (Layer 7)
This layer supports application and end-user processes. Communication partners are identified,
quality of service is identified, user authentication and privacy are considered, and any constraints on
data syntax are identified. Everything at this layer is application-specific. This layer provides
application services for file transfers, e-mail, and other network software services. Telnet and FTP
are applications that exist entirely in the application level. Tiered application architectures are part of
this layer.
- Layer 7 Application examples include WWW browsers, NFS, SNMP, Telnet, HTTP, FTP

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Related Links
ServerWatch: The OSI Model - Part 2
ServerWatch: The OSI Model - Part 1
Did You Know...?
Understanding The Data Link Layer
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