OSI Model

Chapter Two

OSI MODEL

1
OSI Model

Communication Architecture
Strategy for connecting host computers and other
communicating equipment.
Defines necessary elements for data communication
between devices.
A communication architecture, therefore, defines a
standard for the communicating hosts.
A programmer formats data in a manner defined by
the communication architecture and passes it on to
the communication software.
Separating communication functions adds flexibility,
for example, we do not need to modify the entire host
software to include more communication devices.

2
 2.1 Layer Architecture
Layer architecture simplifies the network design.
It is easy to debug network applications in a layered
architecture network.
The network management is easier due to the layered
architecture.
Network layers follow a set of rules, called protocol.
The protocol defines the format of the data being
exchanged, and the control and timing for the
handshake between layers.

3
 A networking model offers a generic means to separate
computer networking functions into multiple layers.
 Each of these layers relies on the layers below it to
provide supporting capabilities and performs support to
the layers above it.
 Such a model of layered functionality is also called a
“protocol stack” or “protocol suite

4
OSI Model

2.1 Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model

International standard organization (ISO) established
a committee in 1977 to develop an architecture for
computer communication.
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model
is the result of this effort.
In 1984, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)
reference model was approved as an international
standard for communications architecture.
Term “open” denotes the ability to connect any two
systems which conform to the reference model and
associated standards.

5
OSI Model

OSI Reference Model

The OSI model is now considered the primary
Architectural model for inter-computer
communications.
The OSI model describes how information or data
makes its way from application programmes (such as
spread sheets) through a network medium (such as
wire) to another application programme located on
another network.
The OSI reference model divides the problem of
moving information between computers over a
network medium into SEVEN smaller and more
manageable problems .
This separation into smaller more manageable
functions is known as layering.
6
OSI Model

OSI Reference Model: 7 Layers

7
OSI Model
OSI: A Layered Network Model
The process of breaking up the functions or tasks of
networking into layers reduces complexity.
Each layer provides a service to the layer above it in the
protocol specification.
Each layer communicates with the same layer’s
software or hardware on other computers.
The lower 4 layers (transport, network, data link and
physical —Layers 4, 3, 2, and 1) are concerned with the
flow of data from end to end through the network.
The upper four layers of the OSI model (application,
presentation and session—Layers 7, 6 and 5) are
orientated more toward services to the applications.
Data is Encapsulated with the necessary protocol
information as it moves down the layers before
network transit.

8
The main benefits of the OSI model include the following:
Helps users understand the big picture of networking
Helps users understand how hardware and software
elements function together
Makes troubleshooting easier by separating networks
into manageable pieces
Defines terms that networking professionals can use to
compare basic functional relationships on different
networks
Helps users understand new technologies as they are
developed
Aids in interpreting vendor explanations of product
functionality

9
 Physical Layer
Provides physical interface for transmission of
information.
defines connector and interface specifications, as well
as the medium(cable)requirements.
Defines rules by which bits are passed from one system
to another on a physical communication medium.
Covers all - mechanical, electrical, functional and
procedural - aspects for physical communication.
Such characteristics as voltage levels, timing of voltage
changes, physical data rates, maximum transmission
distances, physical connectors, and other similar
attributes are defined by physical layer specifications.

10
Components of the physical layer include:
Cabling system components
Adapters that connect media to physical interfaces
Connector design and pin assignments
Hub, repeater, and patch panel specifications
Wireless system components
Parallel SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
Network Interface Card (NIC)

11
 Data Link Layer
Data link layer attempts to provide reliable
communication over the physical layer interface.
Breaks the outgoing data into frames and reassemble
the received frames.
Create and detect frame boundaries.
Handle errors by implementing an acknowledgement
and retransmission scheme.
Implement flow control.
Supports points-to-point as well as broadcast
communication.
Supports simplex, half-duplex or full-duplex
communication.

12
OSI Model

Network Layer
Implements routing of packets through the network.
Defines the most optimum path the packet should take
from the source to the destination
Defines logical addressing so that any endpoint can be
identified.
Handles congestion in the network.
Facilitates interconnection between heterogeneous
networks (Internetworking).
The network layer also defines how to fragment a
packet into smaller packets to accommodate different
media.

13
 Transport Layer
Purpose of this layer is to provide a reliable
mechanism for the exchange of data between two
processes in different computers.
Ensures that the data units are delivered error free.
Ensures that data units are delivered in sequence.
Ensures that there is no loss or duplication of data
units.
Provides connectionless or connection oriented
service.
Provides for the connection management.
Multiplex multiple connection over a single channel.

14
 Session Layer
Session layer provides mechanism for controlling the
dialogue between the two end systems. It defines how to
start, control and end conversations (called sessions)
between applications.
This layer requests for a logical connection to be
established on an end-user’s request.
Any necessary log-on or password validation is also
handled by this layer.
Session layer is also responsible for terminating the
connection.
This layer provides services like dialogue discipline which
can be full duplex or half duplex.
Session layer can also provide check-pointing mechanism
such that if a failure of some sort occurs between
checkpoints, all data can be retransmitted from the last
checkpoint.

15
 Presentation Layer
Presentation layer defines the format in which the data
is to be exchanged between the two communicating
entities.
Also handles data compression and data encryption
(cryptography).

16
Application Layer
Application layer interacts with application programs
and is the highest level of OSI model.
Application layer contains management functions to
support distributed applications.
Examples of application layer are applications such as
file transfer, electronic mail, remote login etc.

17
 OSI in Action
A message begins at the top application layer and
moves down the OSI layers to the bottom physical
layer.
As the message descends, each successive OSI model
layer adds a header to it.
A header is layer-specific information that basically
explains what functions the layer carried out.
Conversely, at the receiving end, headers are striped
from the message as it travels up the corresponding
layers.

18
19
20
TCP/IP Model

2.3 TCP/IP MODEL

 The TCP/IP model uses four layers to perform the
functions of the seven-layer OSI model.
 The network access layer is functionally equal to a
combination of OSI physical and data link layers (1
and 2).
 The Internet layer performs the same functions as the
OSI network layer.

21
OSI & TCP/IP Models

22
TCP/IP Model

TCP/IP Model
Application Layer
Application programs using the network
Transport Layer (TCP/UDP)
Management of end-to-end message transmission,
error detection and error correction
Network Layer (IP)
Handling of datagrams : routing and congestion
Data Link Layer
Management of cost effective and reliable data delivery,
access to physical networks
Physical Layer
Physical Media

23
Layers and Message Types:
1.Physical Layer (Bits):Signals: Electrical or optical signals
representing bits (0s and 1s). No specific messages at this
layer; it's responsible for transmitting raw bits.
2.Data Link Layer (Frames): Frames: Encapsulate network-
layer packets for error-free transmission over a physical link.
Examples: Ethernet frames, Wi-Fi frames.
3.Network Layer (Packets): Packets: Segments of data with
addressing and routing information for delivery across
networks. Examples: IP packets (IPv4, IPv6).
4.Transport Layer (Segments): Segments: Divides
application data into chunks for reliable transmission and flow
control. Examples: TCP segments, UDP datagrams.

24
1. Session Layer (Dialogs): Dialogs: Manages
communication sessions between applications, including
setup, synchronization, and termination.
Examples: Session initiation messages, termination
requests.
2. Presentation Layer (Data Units): Data Units: Handles
data representation, encryption, compression, and
conversion for compatibility. Examples: Encrypted data
units, compressed data units, formatted data units.
3. Application Layer (Messages): Messages: User-
generated data in various formats for specific
applications. Examples: Email messages, web page
content, file transfers.

25
• Data Communication Between Layers:
• Data flows downward through the layers as it's sent,
and upward as it's received.
• Each layer adds its own header or trailer information to
encapsulate the data from the layer above.
1. Sending data: Application creates a message. Presentation
layer formats it. Session layer establishes a session.
Transport layer segments the data. Network layer adds
routing information. Data link layer frames it. Physical layer
transmits it as signals.
2. Receiving data: Physical layer receives signals. Data link
layer reassembles frames. Network layer processes routing
information. Transport layer reassembles segments. Session
layer manages the session. Presentation layer converts data.
Application layer receives the message.

26
• Key Points:
• Each layer has specific responsibilities and communicates
with its adjacent layers through defined interfaces.
• Data encapsulation and decapsulation are crucial for
efficient and reliable communication.
• The OSI model provides a conceptual framework for
understanding network communication, even though
modern protocols may not strictly adhere to all seven
layers.

• What are header, trailer, and payload?

27