OSI MODEL
Open Systems Interconnection
Learning Objectives:
Define what is OSI model
Understand the functions of each layer of an OSI
model
Identify the different layers of the OSI model
Discuss the different layers of an OSI model
Explain the role of the OSI model in a network
OSI
stands for Open Systems Interconnection model, is a
conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of
a communication system into seven distinct layers.
developed by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO), it provides a universal language
and common ground for diverse computer systems and
technologies to communicate effectively over a network.
Physical Layer (Layer 1)
is responsible for the actual physical
connection between each device in a
network
common examples of devices under
Physical Layer are Modem which is in
charge of converting analog signals into
digital signals, hubs, repeaters and
physical cables which forwards the
converted frame to the Data Link Layer
(Layer 2)
Physical Layer (Layer 1)
Some functions of Physical Layer
Bit synchronization: The physical layer provides the
synchronization of the bits by providing a clock. This
clock controls both the sender and receiver thus
providing synchronization at a bit level.
Bit rate control: The Physical layer also defines the
transmission rate i.e. the number of bits sent per
second.
Physical Layer (Layer 1)
Some functions of Physical Layer
Physical topologies: Physical layer specifies how the
different, devices/ nodes are arranged in a network i.e.
bus, star or mesh topology.
Transmission mode: Physical layer also defines how the
data flows between the two connected devices. The
various transmission modes possible are simplex, half-
duplex and full-duplex.
Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
it ensures an error- free transfer of data from one node to
another over the physical layer
Network switch usually occupies this layer because it has the
capability of formatting data into frames that contains
information such as where information should be sent,
details of this information, and further ensures that this
information is not modified.
When a packet or frame arrived successfully at the
destination node, it is the responsibility of the Data Link Layer
to transmit to the host using its Media Access Control (MAC)
address.
Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
The functions of the Data Link Layer are:
Framing: Framing is a function of the data link layer. It provides a
way for a sender to transmit a set of bits that are meaningful to the
receiver. This can be accomplished by attaching special bit
patterns to the beginning and end of the frame.
Physical addressing: After creating frames, Data link layer adds
physical addresses (MAC address) of the sender and/or receiver in
the header of each frame.
Error control: Data link layer provides the mechanism of error
control in which it detects and retransmits damaged or lost
frames.
Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
The functions of the Data Link Layer are:
Flow Control: The data rate must be constant on both sides else
the data may get corrupted thus; flow control coordinates that
amount of data that can be sent before receiving
acknowledgment.
Access control: When a single communication channel is shared
by multiple devices, the MAC sub-layer of Data link layer helps to
determine which device has control over the channel at a given
time.
Network Layer (Layer 3)
is considered the backbone of the OSI Model
It selects and manages the best logical path for data
transfer between nodes.
This layer contains hardware devices such as routers,
bridges, firewalls and switches, but it creates a logical
image of the most efficient communication route and
implements it with a physical medium.
Network Layer (Layer 3)
The functions of the Network layer are:
Routing: The network layer protocols determine which
route is suitable from source to destination. This function of
the network layer is known as routing.
Logical Addressing: To identify each device on
internetwork uniquely, the network layer defines an
addressing scheme. The sender & receiver's IP address is
placed in the header by the network layer. Such an address
distinguishes each device uniquely and universally.
Transport Layer (Layer 4)
is responsible for end-to-end communication between
devices.
It ensures that data sent from one computer reaches the
correct application on another computer accurately and
reliably
also responsible for the management of error correction,
providing quality and reliability to the end-user.
This layer enables the host to send and receive error-
corrected data, packets or messages over a network and is
the network component that allows multiplexing
Transport Layer (Layer 4)
The functions of the transport layer are:
Segmentation and Reassembly: This layer accepts the
message from the (session) layer, breaks the message into
smaller units. Each of the segments produced has a header
associated with it. The transport layer at the destination
station reassembles the message.
Service Point Addressing: To deliver the message to the
correct process, the transport layer header includes a type of
address called service point address or port address. Thus by
specifying this address, transport layer makes sure that the
message is delivered to the correct process.
Transport Layer (Layer 4)
The services provided by the transport layer:
Connection-Oriented Service: It is a three-phase process that
includes connection establishment, data transfer, and termination/
disconnection. In this type of transmission, the receiving device
sends an acknowledgment, back to the source after a packet or
group of packet is received. This type of transmission is reliable
and secure.
Connectionless Service: It is a one-phase process and includes
Data Transfer. In this type of transmission, the receiver does not
acknowledge receipt of a packet. This approach allows for much
faster communication between devices. Connection-oriented
service is more reliable than connectionless Service.
Session Layer (Layer 5)
this layer is responsible for establishing, managing,
synchronizing and terminating sessions between end-user
application processes
Session Layer (Layer 5)
The main functions of the session layer are as follows:
It works as a dialog controller. It allows the systems to communicate
in either half-duplex or full-duplex mode of communication.
It is responsible for token management. Through this, it prevents the
two users to simultaneously attempt the same critical operation.
It synchronizes communication. It adds synchronization points or
checkpoints in data streams for long communications. This ensures
that data streams up to the checkpoints are successfully received
and acknowledged. In case of any failures, only the streams after the
checkpoints have to be re-transmitted.
Presentation Layer (Layer 6)
prepares data so it can be understood by both the sender and
receiver.
It translates, encrypts, and compresses data before it’s sent
across the network.
Presentation Layer (Layer 6)
The functions of the presentation layer are:
Translation: Converts data formats between systems (e.g.,
ASCII ↔ EBCDIC).
Encryption/ Decryption: Data encryption translates the data
into another form or code. The encrypted data is known as the
cipher text and the decrypted data is known as plain text. A key
value is used for encrypting as well as decrypting data.
Compression: Reduces the number of bits that need to be
transmitted on the network.
Application Layer (Layer 7)
the topmost layer and directly interacts with the user and
software applications. It provides services that support network
access for programs like browsers, email clients, and file
transfer tools.
Application Layer (Layer 7)
The functions of the Application layer are:
Network Virtual Terminal - Allows remote login and access to
another system.
FTAM (File transfer access and management) - Manages file
transfers between systems.
Mail Services - Supports email communication.
Directory Services - Provides access to distributed databases
or directories.