Open system interconnection

Model (OSI Model)

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is
a reference model developed by ISO
(International Organization for
Standardization) in 1984, as a conceptual
framework of standards for communication in
the network.

The network communication protocols used

today have a structure based on the OSI
model.
The OSI model defines the communications process
into 7 layers, which divides the tasks involved with
moving information between networked computers
into seven smaller, more manageable task groups.

A task or group of tasks is then assigned to each of

the seven OSI layers.

On the other hand, the seven layers of the OSI model

can be divided into two groups: upper layers (layers
7, 6 & 5) and lower layers (layers 4, 3, 2, 1).
 The Seven Layers of the OSI
Model
Layer Name
7 Application
6 Presentation
5 Session
4 Transport
3 Network
2 Data Link
1 Physical
The easiest way to remember the layers of the OSI model is to use the
mnemonic "All People Seem To Need Data Processing":
 The functions of the seven
layers of the OSI model are:
The Application Layer of the OSI model
is responsible for providing end-user
services, such as file transfers, electronic
messaging, e-mail, virtual terminal access,
and network management. This is the
layer with which the user interacts.
The Presentation Layer of the OSI
model is responsible for defining the
syntax which two network hosts use to
communicate.

Encryption and compression are

Presentation Layer functions. It is
sometimes called the syntax layer.
The Session Layer controls the connections between
computers.

It establishes, manages and terminates the connections

between the local and remote application.

It provides for full-duplex, half-duplex, or simplex

operation.

The Session Layer of the OSI model is responsible for

establishing process-to-process communications
between networked hosts.
The Transport Layer of the OSI model is responsible for
delivering messages between networked hosts.

The Transport Layer should be responsible for

fragmentation and reassembly. The Transport Layer
controls the reliability of a given link through flow
control, segmentation/desegmentation, and error
control.

The Transport Layer can keep track of the segments and

retransmit those that fail.
The Network Layer of the OSI model is
responsible Routing packets according to
unique network device addresses.

Provides flow and congestion control over

the network.

Routers operate at the Network Layer.

The Data Link Layer of the OSI model
is responsible for communications
between adjacent network nodes.

Hubs and switches operate at the Data

Link Layer.
The Physical Layer of the OSI model
is responsible for bit-level transmission
between network nodes.

The Physical Layer defines items such

as: connector types, cable types,
voltages, and pin-outs.