What is OSI Model? Explain in brief.
In this article, we will discuss OSI model and 7 different layers of OSI model CCNA. So, if you are curious or want to learn what is OSI model and how it works? Stay tuned with me till the end.
We will go step-by-step,
So, first we discuss what OSI model is?
OSI model stands for open system interconnection model. It is a conceptual model or we can say reference networking model that help us to understand how internet works? How host from different vendors communicate with each other.
How OSI model came into picture?
Before OSI model, back in 1970s and 1980s, different vendors had their own networking model, but the problem was if a company bought computers from different vendors then they had to manage different networks.
For example, if a company bought computer from 3 different vendors then they had to manage 3 different networks. And in the last one more network was required to merge all these networks.
So, this way you can see things were very difficult before the invention of OSI model and TCP model. To make things simpler, the international organization of standardization (ISO) took the task to create a model that is compatible with all vendors and that model is OSI model.
What is a network model?
A networking model is a set of protocols and standards that describes different functions in a layered structured. OSI model and TCP/IP model are two popular networking model.
OSI Reference Model in Networking?
The OSI reference model is a conceptual model that divides the functions of a communication system into seven layers. The OSI model provides a framework for the discussion, design, and implementation of data communication protocols.
It can be used as a blueprint for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting systems. The OSI Reference Model is also known as the OSI Model or TCP/IP Model.
What are 7 layers of OSI Model?
1. Application layer (layer 7)
2. Presentation Layer (layer 6)
3. Session Layer (layer 5)
4. Transport Layer (layer 4)
5. Network Layer (layer 3)
6. Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
7. Physical Layer (layer 1)
OSI layer protocols and functions-
1. Application Layer Function and protocols
Functions: End user (human) interacts with this layer.
Application software works on application layer. Application layer protocols provide services to the application software. For example application protocol HTTPs defines how web browsers pull the content from the web pages. Have you ever noticed most of URL starts with http or https? Here HTTP means hyper text transfer protocol that provides services to the web browsers to pull the content.
Other example, DNS (domain name system) that provides IP address to the corresponding domain when someone type a domain name in web browser.
In short, we can say application provides an interface between software running on a computer and the network itself.
Application layer doesn’t define the application software itself, it only provides the services that application software need.
Protocols: DNS, HTTP, HTTPs, SSL, Telnet
2. Presentation Layer Function and Protocols
Function: The primary function of this layer is to translate the data into appropriate form. For example data at application layer is in application format, it can’t be sent directly to the network. And similar way application can’t understand the data that come from below layers. So, every time when data is sent or received presentation layer convert it into presentable form.
It encrypts or decrypts the data.
Here encrypt means when data come from application layer, it add some header to the data and then sent to the session layer. This process of encrypt the data is known as encryption.
Decrypt means when data come from session layer, it removes the header and after translation pass on the data to application layer. Decryption is just opposite the encryption process.
Protocols: JPEG, MPEG, AVI
3. Session Layer Functions and Protocols
It controls the session between communicating hosts. It establishes the session, manages the session and finally terminates the session.
Key point: Application developer work on these 3 top layers of OSI model to connect their application over network. Network engineers don’t work with these 3 layers.
4. Transport layer Functions and Protocols
Function: Transport layer is known as the heart of OSI model. It is responsible for end-to-end delivery (also called host-to-host communication).
It segments and reassembles the data. When data comes from upper layer, it breaks the data into small segments. And when data comes from lower layer it reassembles the segments into data and pass on the session layer.
Protocol: TCP and UDP
PDU(Protocol data unit): Segment
5. Network Layer Functions and Protocols:
Function: Network layer provides connectivity between end hosts.
Routers or multilayer switch (L3 switch) work on network layer. They manage a routing table that helps to select the best path. This way, we can say network layer provides best path between source and destination.
Network layer adds logical address (IP address).
Protocol: IP, ICMP, IPsec
PDU: Packet
6. Data Link Layer Functions and Protocols:
Function: Data link layer provides node-to-node connectivity.
It detects and corrects the physical layer errors.
It adds 48 bit MAC address (also called physical address).
Switch, Bridge and NIC card work on layer 2.
Data link layer comprises of two sub-layers.
1) MAC (Media Access Control)
2) LLC (Logical Link Control)
Protocol: PPP and Ethernet
PDU: Frame
7. Physical Layer Functions and Protocols:
Function: It defines the physical characteristics of medium that is used to transmit the data like copper cable, fiber cable.
For example- voltage levels, current levels, maximum transmission distances and cable specification etc.
At this layer binary bit stream of data (10100011101010010111100) is converted into electrical signals or radio signals depend on the transmission medium.
If data is transmitted through wired connection then binary data is converted into electrical signals and for wireless transmission binary data is converted into radio formats.
Protocol: Ethernet and Wi-fi
PDU: bit
