CS 305

Computer Network 1

Lecture 2: Network Models

NUB
2020
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Introduction
• The process of transmitting data through a
network involves many operations.
• Network designers put related networking
functions into separate groups called layers.
• Each layer defines a family of functions distinct
from those of the other layers.
• Each layer provides services to the layer above
it.
• In this part, we briefly describe the functions of
each layer in the OSI model.
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OSI Model’s Seven Layers
• The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model was introduced
in late 1970s by the International Standards Organization (ISO)
to cover all aspects of network communications. The model
consists of 7 layers.

User support layers

Network support layers

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Interaction between layers
• Adjacent layers at the same host are connected by an
interface.
• The same layers at different hosts are communicating using
protocols.

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Protocols
• To ensure that two hosts communicates together correctly,
rules for all aspects of communication must be specified:
— High-level details: e.g. address information, packet
size, packet number
— Low-level details: e.g. how data is represented in
electrical or radio signals, speed at which data is
transmitted
• A protocol is a set of rules that governs data communications.
• Computer networks are built upon several protocols.
• Protocols or standards are developed through the cooperation
of international committees such as: ISO – ANSI – IEEE.

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Same Layers Interaction
• From the previous figure, we realize that a layer
n at device A is interacting with the same layer
n at device B.
• It is fundamental that this interaction be
independent of the operations or protocols used
in the layers above or below.

• This is known as "peer-to-peer" communication

and is an important goal of the OSI Reference
Model.

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Different Layers Interaction
• Also, from the previous figure, we can realize the need
of each layer to interact with the layers above or below
it within the same device.

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Encapsulation
• The interaction between one layer and the layer below it
is performed using ‘Encapsulation’.
• For example, when layer 6 receives data unit (D6) from
layer 7, it adds a header to it (H6). Both H6+D6 now
constitute the data unit in layer 6.
• The whole data unit at layer 6 is encapsulated in
another data unit at layer 5, and so on.
• The header contains important information for the
correct delivery of the data.
• At the receiving end, the process is reversed. This is
called decapsulation.

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The Physical Layer (1)
• The physical layer is concerned with the
transmission of individual bits from one node
another over the physical medium.

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The Physical Layer Specifies:
• Type of transmission medium and network connector
— copper wire,
— wireless,
— optical fiber
• Mode of transmission
— half or
— full-duplex
• How bits (0s and 1s) are converted into voltage signals.
• Bit rate (duration of each bit)
• Synchronization of bits between sender and receiver.

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Data Link Layer (2)
• This layer is concerned with:

— Framing: that is dividing the stream of bits

received from the network layer into manageable
data units called frames.

— Physical addressing: which is needed to send

data locally (i.e. within the same LAN)

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Data Link Layer, continued
— Flow control: when the Tx and Rx operate at
different speeds, the rate at which data is sent
should not exceed receiver’s processing
capability.

— Error control: to detect incorrect frames and re-

transmit damaged or lost frames.

— Access control: when more than two devices are

connected to the same link, it is necessary to
determine which device can use the link at any
given time.

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Network Layer (3)
• It is responsible for:
— Logical addressing: which is needed if a packet
is to pass the network (LAN) boundary.

— Routing: When networks are connected to

create a large network, the connecting devices
(called routers) route the packets to their final
destination.
Network Layer is responsible for the delivery of
individual packets from the source host to the
destination host across multiple networks.
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Hop-to-hop vs. Source-to-
destination delivery
• To send a data packet from host A to F, we need a
source-to-destination delivery.
• This process is performed using several router-to-
router (or hop-to-hop) deliveries: A-B, B-E, and E-F.

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Transport Layer (4)
• Isolates upper layers from any changes in Hardware
technology
• One main task of transport layer is to deliver the message to
the required application on the destination host.
— Note that the network layer only gets each packet to the
correct computer
• Another task is to divide the message into segments which
are numbered.
— These numbers enable reassembling the message
correctly upon arriving at the destination and to identify
and replace packets that were lost in transmission.
• Transport layer also provides error and flow control.
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Layers 5, 6, and 7
• Session layer (5): responsible for establishing
connection between local and remote
application

• Presentation layer (6): responsible for

translation (into binary), compression, and
encryption of data

• Application layer (7): provides services (such

as HTTP for the web, SMTP for electronic mail
and FTP for remote file access and transfer) to
the user.
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TCP/IP Model
• TCP/IP model has been developed after OSI model.
• While the OSI is a theoretical model, TCP/IP is more
practical and tested extensively in the Internet.
• It is made of only five layers: physical, data-link,
network, transport, and application.

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