OSI Jyothsna Y
Seven Layer Model
Venkat Rao| SOC Analyst | 30 August 2025
The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection model) is a
conceptual framework that describes the functions of a networking
system into seven distinct layers.
Physical, data link and network layers are the hardware layers
of this model.
Session, presentation, and application are the software layers of
the model.
The transport layer is the Heart of the OSI Model
Introduction: OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)
Model
OSI Model was first introduced in 1974 by the ISO (International
Organization of Standardization).
This model helps to transfer data over the network from one
computer device to another.
Provides a universal language for networking hardware and
software to communicate
OSI Model is very useful for troubleshooting network problems.
It helps different computer systems and networks communicate
by providing a universal language and structure for data
transmission.
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Significance of OSI
Simplifies Troubleshooting
Network issues can be diagnosed by checking specific layers,
rather than analysing the entire system.
For example, if a file doesn’t transfer, it could be a problem at
the Transport Layer or below.
OSI Model can help to break down the problem and isolate the
source of the trouble.
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Standardization:
The OSI model serves as a universal language for networking
hardware and software to communicate.
In plain English, the OSI provides a standard for different
computer systems to be able to communicate with each other.
Modularity
Layers can be updated or replaced independently as long as
interfaces remain consistent.
Makes network systems flexible and scalable.
Protocol Development:
Helps in the design and implementation of protocols by
clearly defining what each layer should do.
Protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, etc., align roughly with OSI
layers.
Educational as well Business Tool:
Tech vendors selling new products will often refer to the OSI
model to help customers understand which layer their products
work with or whether it works “across the stack”
Great for teaching networking concepts by breaking down
complex interactions into logical steps.
Widely used in certification exams (e.g., Cisco, CompTIA).
Layered Approach:
Divides networking tasks into manageable layers (from
physical transmission to application-specific processes)
Each layer serves a specific function and communicates with its
adjacent layers.
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Seven Layers of OSI
The seven abstraction layers of the OSI model can
be defined as follows, from top to bottom to Top,
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based upon the various tasks fulfilled by networking
protocols
− Application Layer: 7
Application Layer is the highest and topmost layer.
Directly interacts with the end-user software applications.
The application layer initiates communication with the
network, network protocols.
It’s data manipulation processes that convert computer-
readable network data into user-readable responses.
provides services like file transfers, email, web browsing.
Provides interface between Client and Server such as
HTTP, FTP, DNS, SNMP, POP3, Telnet, POP, DHCP.
− Presentation Layer: 6
The presentation layer handles “syntax processing” – in
other words, it converts data from one format to
another.
It’s also known as Translation layer and Syntax
Layer.
Presentation Layer is responsible for translating
incoming data into syntax, so that the application layer
of the receiving device can understand.
Presentation Layer is responsible for encryption and
decryption
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It compresses and decompresses the size of data for
faster data connection hence ensures secure
transmission of data.
Data from application layer is extracted and changed to
require format in order to transmit over network
For example, HTML, (JSON) and Comma Separated
Values (CSV) are all modeling languages to describe the
structure of data at the presentation layer.
Session Layer: 5
The session layer coordinates the session management.
It’s responsible for establishing, managing and terminating
connections—called "sessions"—between two or more
computers.
Session management includes setup, authentication,
Synchronization, termination and reconnections.
Once a “session” is established, the data is passed to or
from the Transport Layer.
Establishes, manages and terminates sessions between
end nodes.
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Transport Layer:4
Transport layer is the Heart of OSI Model.
Transmits data using transmission protocols TCP &UDP,
NetBIOS, PPTP.
Ensures reliable data transmission.
Responsible for end-to-end communication between the
two devices.
This includes data from the session layer is broke into
chunks called segments before transmitting it into layer 3
Network layer.
The transport layer on the receiving device is responsible
for reassembling the segments into data.
It’s also responsible for flow control and error control.
Flow control determines an optimal speed of transmission
to ensure that a sender with a fast connection does not
overwhelm a receiver with a slow connection.
The transport layer performs error control on the receiving
end by ensuring that the data received is absolute, and
requesting a retransmission if error occurred.
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Network Layer:3
Transmits data from one host to the other located in different
networks.
The network layer breaks up segments from the transport layer
into smaller units, called packets,
It also reroutes the pathway of data packets directing them to
the shortest path to transmit the packet, among available routes
to reach the destination.
Network layer is implemented by networking devices such
as routers and switches.
The network layer protocols determine suitable route from
source to destination. This function of the network layer is known
as routing.
Eg: Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP),
the Internet Group Message Protocol (IGMP), and
the IPsec suite.
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Data Link Layer: 2
Data link layer transfers data between two or more devices on
the same network.
It’s referred as node-to-node data transfer.
Organizes raw bits into frames.
Handles error detection/correction at the physical level.
Ex: MAC addresses.
− Physical Layer: 1
This layer is responsible for the connection between two devices.
Data received to this layer is converted into bits stream which is
binary format, i.e., 0’s and 1’s, hence it transmits the digital bits
over physical medium.
Once converted, data is sent to the Data-link layer.
Eg: Ethernet cables, electrical and radio signals
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BRIEF SUMMARY
OSI Model is still very useful for troubleshooting network
problems.
It can help to break down the problem and isolate the source of
the trouble.
If the problem can be narrowed down to one specific layer of the
model, a lot of unnecessary work can be avoided.
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