University of Global Village (UGV)
Department of Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
ASSIGNMENT-01
Computer Networking Models: OSI and TCP/IP
Course Title: Computer Network & Security
Course Code: CSE-0612-3203
Submitted By: __________________________
Student ID: _____________________________
Section: ________________________________
Group: __________________________________
Submitted To: ___________________________
Submission Date: 19 August 2026
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
A computer network allows different computers and devices to communicate and exchange data.
Network communication is a complex process because many different operations are required,
such as addressing, routing, error control, data formatting, and transmission.
To make this complex communication process easier to understand and manage, networking
models divide communication into several layers. Each layer performs a specific function and
communicates with the layers directly above and below it. The two major networking models are
the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and the TCP/IP model.
2. What is a Computer Network Model?
A Computer Network Model is a conceptual blueprint or map that defines how different
computer systems and software communicate over a network.
The main purpose of a network model is to break down the complex process of data transmission
into smaller and manageable tasks called layers. Each layer has a particular responsibility and
works together with other layers to complete communication.
Network models help us understand how data moves from one device to another. They also make
network design, implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance easier.
3. Advantages of Layered Architecture
3.1 Modularity
Networking tasks are divided into different sections, making the system easier to understand,
develop, and maintain.
3.2 Interoperability
Layers follow standard protocols, allowing devices and systems from different organizations to
communicate efficiently.
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3.3 Scalability
New technologies or protocols can be integrated into a particular layer without changing the
entire networking system.
3.4 Troubleshooting
Network problems can be isolated to a specific layer, allowing each layer to be analyzed and
tested separately.
4. OSI Model
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model is a conceptual model that divides network
communication into seven layers. Each layer has a specific responsibility and helps data move
from one device to another.
Application Layer
Presentation Layer
Session Layer
Transport Layer
Network Layer
Data Link Layer
Physical Layer
5. Functions of the Seven OSI Layers
5.1 Application Layer — Layer 7
The Application Layer is the layer closest to the user. It provides network services directly to
applications such as web browsers and email applications. Examples include HTTP and FTP.
Main function: provides network services to user applications.
5.2 Presentation Layer — Layer 6
The Presentation Layer prepares data so that the receiving application can understand it. It can
perform data formatting, encryption/decryption, and compression/decompression.
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5.3 Session Layer — Layer 5
The Session Layer manages communication sessions between devices. It establishes, maintains,
and terminates communication sessions and can use checkpoints during communication.
5.4 Transport Layer — Layer 4
The Transport Layer is responsible for reliable delivery of data between devices. It divides large
data into smaller pieces and helps ensure that the pieces arrive correctly. Main functions include
segmentation, error control, flow control, and reliable delivery. TCP is an example.
5.5 Network Layer — Layer 3
The Network Layer determines the path through which data should travel from source to
destination. It uses logical addressing such as IP addresses. Main functions include logical
addressing, routing, and packet forwarding.
5.6 Data Link Layer — Layer 2
The Data Link Layer provides communication between devices on the same local network. It
organizes data into frames and uses hardware addresses such as MAC addresses. Main functions
include framing, MAC addressing, error detection, and local delivery.
5.7 Physical Layer — Layer 1
The Physical Layer is responsible for transmitting raw bits over a physical or wireless medium. It
deals with electrical signals, light signals, radio waves, cables, and connectors.
6. TCP/IP Model
The TCP/IP model is the practical networking model used as the foundation of communication
on the Internet. It organizes networking functions into four major layers:
Application Layer
Transport Layer
Internet Layer
Network Access Layer
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6.1 Application Layer
This layer provides services to applications and combines functions associated with the OSI
Application, Presentation, and Session layers. Examples include HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP,
and DNS.
6.2 Transport Layer
This layer provides end-to-end communication between applications. TCP provides reliable,
connection-oriented communication, while UDP provides faster, connectionless communication.
6.3 Internet Layer
The Internet Layer is responsible for logical addressing and routing packets between networks.
The main protocol is IP.
6.4 Network Access Layer
This layer handles communication over the physical network and includes functions related to
data-link and physical transmission. Examples include Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
7. OSI vs TCP/IP Model
Feature OSI Model TCP/IP Model
Full Form Open Systems Transmission Control
Interconnection Protocol/Internet Protocol
Number of Layers 7 4
Nature Mainly conceptual/reference Practical Internet
model communication model
Application Application, Presentation, Application
Session
Transport Transport Transport
Routing Network Internet
Data Link + Physical Separate layers Network Access
Main Purpose Understanding and Practical network and Internet
standardizing networking communication
functions
8. How Data Travels from Source to Destination
When a user sends data, it moves through the layers from the top to the bottom at the sender's
side. At the receiving side, the data moves from the bottom layer toward the top layer.
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8.1 Sender Side
Application Layer: The sender writes the message in an application. The application uses an
appropriate protocol to prepare the data.
Presentation Layer: The data is formatted and may be encrypted.
Session Layer: A communication session is established between the sender's device and the
destination service.
Transport Layer: The data is divided into smaller segments. TCP can number the segments so
they can be correctly reassembled.
Network Layer: The segments are placed into packets containing source and destination IP
addresses.
Data Link Layer: The packets are placed into frames containing MAC addresses for local
delivery.
Physical Layer: The frames are converted into electrical, optical, or wireless signals and
transmitted through the network.
8.2 Receiver Side
At the receiver's device, the reverse process occurs. The Physical Layer receives the signals. The
Data Link Layer checks the frames and extracts packets. The Network Layer processes the IP
information. The Transport Layer reassembles the segments. The Session and Presentation layers
handle the communication session and data formatting/decryption. Finally, the Application Layer
displays the data in the receiving application.
9. Real-Life Example: Opening a Website
Consider a user opening a website such as [Link] The communication process
can be explained using the networking layers.
Step 1: Application Layer: The user enters the website address into a web browser. The
browser uses application-layer protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS.
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Step 2: Presentation Layer: The data is represented in an appropriate format. In secure
communication, encryption is also involved.
Step 3: Session Layer: A communication session is established and maintained between the
user's computer and the web server.
Step 4: Transport Layer: TCP can provide reliable communication. The data is divided into
segments and delivered to the destination.
Step 5: Network Layer: The source and destination IP addresses are used to determine where
the packets should go. Routers forward the packets through different networks.
Step 6: Data Link Layer: Packets are encapsulated into frames for transmission across the local
network. MAC addresses are used for local delivery.
Step 7: Physical Layer: The frames are converted into electrical signals, light signals, or radio
waves and transmitted through Ethernet cables, fiber-optic cables, or Wi-Fi.
At the destination server, the process is reversed. The received data is processed upward through
the layers until the web server application receives the request.
10. Encapsulation and Decapsulation
10.1 Encapsulation
Encapsulation occurs at the sender side. As data moves downward through the OSI layers, each
layer adds its own control information.
Application Data → Transport: Segment → Network: Packet → Data Link: Frame → Physical:
Bits
10.2 Decapsulation
At the receiving device, the reverse process occurs: Bits → Frame → Packet → Segment →
Application Data. Each receiving layer processes and removes the information relevant to it
before passing the remaining data to the next higher layer.
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11. Conclusion
Computer network models provide a structured way to understand how communication takes
place between network devices. The OSI model divides communication into seven layers:
Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, and Physical. Each layer has
a specific responsibility.
The TCP/IP model uses a simpler layered structure and forms the practical foundation of modern
Internet communication. The OSI model provides a clear conceptual framework, while TCP/IP
explains the practical protocols used in real-world networks.
By understanding layers, protocols, encapsulation, addressing, routing, and transmission, we can
better understand how information travels from a source device to a destination device across a
network.
References
1. Lecture material: Computer Network Models, Department of Computer Science and
Engineering, University of Global Village (UGV), Md. Tariqul Islam.
2. Course: Computer Network & Security, CSE-0612-3203.
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