OSI Reference model in Computer Networks

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The OSI Open Systems Interconnection model is a conceptual framework used to understand how different networking protocols. This technologies interact within the network.  It’s divided into seven layers, each responsible for specific functions:

Contents
  1. OSI model in computer networks
    1. Physical Layer (Layer 1)
    2. Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
    3. Network Layer (Layer 3)
    4. Transport Layer (Layer 4)
    5. Session Layer (Layer 5)
    6. Presentation Layer (Layer 6)
    7. Application Layer (Layer 7)

OSI model in computer networks

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Open Systems Interconnection model is a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of networking protocols .This divides into seven layers. It serves as a reference for understanding how data is transmitted over a network from the physical transmission of bits to the interaction between software applications. Here’s a breakdown of each layer and its functions in the context of computer networks:

Physical Layer (Layer 1)

Deals with the physical connection between devices.Transmits raw data bits over a physical medium (cables, wireless signals).Specifies characteristics of the transmission medium, such as voltage levels, cable types, and physical connectors.The Physical Layer, the lowest layer in the OSI model, primarily deals with the physical transmission of data bits over a communication channel. It focuses on the actual hardware and physical aspects of transmitting data between devices. Here are some key aspects:

Functions of the Physical Layer:

Physical Transmission of Data:

We will see how OSI layer is used in layer 1.Transmits raw data bits over a physical medium (such as copper wires, fiber optic cables, or wireless channels).Specifies the characteristics of the transmission medium, including voltage levels, timing of signals, modulation, and more.

  1. Physical Topology:
    • Defines the physical layout of the network, including the arrangement of devices, cables, and connections.
    • Examples of physical topologies include bus, star, ring, and mesh configurations.
  2. Data Encoding and Signaling:
    • Encodes data into signals suitable for transmission over the medium.
    • Handles modulation techniques to convert digital signals into analog for transmission and demodulation at the receiving end.
  3. Transmission Rate and Bandwidth:
    • Determines the speed and capacity at which data can be transmitted over the network.
    • It defines the data rate, bandwidth, and the modulation scheme used for transmission.
  4. Physical Connection:
    • Establishes and terminates physical connections between devices.
    • Manages connectors, pinouts, and physical characteristics of cables and network interface cards (NICs).

Data Link Layer (Layer 2)

Provides node-to-node communication within a local network segment. Frames data into frames and adds MAC addresses to enable device identification. Detects and corrects errors that occur at the physical layer. Manages access to the physical medium.

Functions of the Data Link Layer:

  1. Frame Creation and Parsing:
    • Divides data received from the Network Layer into frames for transmission.
    • Adds frame headers and trailers for addressing and error checking.
    • Reassembles frames at the receiving end.
  2. Physical Addressing (MAC Addressing):
    • Provides a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address to each device connected to the network.
    • Uses MAC addresses to identify devices on the same network segment.
  3. Access Control and Media Access:
    • Manages access to the physical medium to avoid data collisions in shared networks (e.g., Ethernet).
    • Implements protocols (like CSMA/CD for Ethernet) for efficient media access.
  4. Error Detection and Correction:
    • Detects and, in some cases, corrects errors that occur at the Physical Layer.
    • Implements mechanisms for error detection using techniques like CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check).
  5. Flow Control:
    • Controls the flow of data between devices to ensure that a fast sender does not overwhelm a slow receiver.
    • Implements mechanisms (like sliding window protocol) for efficient data flow.
  6. Logical Link Control (LLC) and Media Access Control (MAC):
    • LLC sublayer deals with error control, flow control, and framing.
    • MAC sublayer manages the access of devices to the physical medium and performs addressing.

Network Layer (Layer 3)

Handles logical addressing and routing of data packets between different networks. Determines the best path for data transmission across interconnected networks. Translates logical addresses (such as IP addresses) to physical addresses (such as MAC addresses).

Functions of the Network Layer:

  1. Logical Addressing (IP Addressing):
    • Assigns unique logical addresses (IP addresses) to devices connected to a network.
    • Helps in identifying devices across different networks and facilitates routing.
  2. Routing:
    • Determines the best path for data packets to reach their destination across interconnected networks.
    • Uses routing algorithms and protocols (such as RIP, OSPF, BGP) to find optimal paths.
  3. Packet Forwarding:
    • Handles the forwarding of data packets based on logical addresses (IP addresses).
    • Uses routing tables to make decisions on packet forwarding.
  4. Fragmentation and Reassembly:
    • Divides larger packets into smaller fragments if needed for transmission across networks with different Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) sizes.
    • Reassembles fragmented packets at the destination.
  5. Logical-Physical Address Resolution:
    • Translates logical addresses (IP addresses) into physical addresses (such as MAC addresses) for data transmission within the local network segment.
  6. Quality of Service (QoS) Management:
    • Manages and prioritizes data traffic based on different parameters (like bandwidth, latency, jitter) to ensure optimal performance for specific applications.

Transport Layer (Layer 4)

Ensures end-to-end communication between devices.Manages data flow, reliability, and error-checking. Segments and reassembles data into a stream for transmission. Will see how OSI layer is used in Layer 4.

Functions of  the Transport layer :

  1. Segmentation and Reassembly:
    • Breaks down data received from the upper layers into smaller segments for transmission over the network.
    • Reassembles these segments into the original data at the receiving end.
  2. End-to-End Connection:
    • Establishes, maintains, and terminates connections between devices or applications.
    • Differentiates between multiple conversations happening between the same devices (port-based communication).
  3. Flow Control:
    • Manages the flow of data between sender and receiver to prevent overwhelming the recipient.
    • Implements mechanisms (like sliding window) to regulate the amount of data sent and received.
  4. Error Checking and Correction:
    • Implements error detection methods to ensure data integrity.
    • Uses checksums and acknowledgments to detect and retransmit lost or corrupted data.
  5. Multiplexing and Demultiplexing:
    • Multiplexes data from multiple applications or sessions into a single stream for transmission.
    • Demultiplexes data upon arrival, directing it to the correct application or session.
  6. Quality of Service (QoS) and Port-Based Communication:
    • Provides different levels of service and priorities to various types of traffic (QoS).
    • Uses port numbers to differentiate between different services or applications running on the same device.

Session Layer (Layer 5)

Manages communication sessions between applications on different devices.Establishes, maintains, and terminates connections between applications. Manages communication sessions between devices.

Functions of the Session Layer:

Responsibilities: Establishment, Maintenance, Termination: Establishes, maintains, and terminates dialogues (sessions) between applications. Synchronization: Coordinates data exchange and manages synchronization points in the communication.Dialog Control: Allows full-duplex or half-duplex operation and manages dialog control.

Examples: NetBIOS, API (Application Programming Interface) calls.

Presentation Layer (Layer 6)

Translates, encrypts, and formats data for the application layer.Handles data encryption, compression, and conversion to ensure compatibility between different systems. Deals with data representation, encryption, and compression.

Functions of the Presentation Layer:

Responsibilities:Data Translation: Translates data formats between different systems to ensure compatibility.Encryption/Decryption: Handles data encryption and decryption for secure transmission.Data Compression: Compresses and decompresses data to optimize transmission.

Examples: Encryption protocols (SSL/TLS), MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions).

Application Layer (Layer 7)

Provides network services directly to user applications.Allows user interfaces, file transfers, email services, and other network-related functionalities. Includes protocols that support high-level services for end-users.  Provides network services directly to user applications.

Functions of the Application Layer:

Responsibilities:End-User Services: Provides interfaces and services directly to user applications. Network Virtual Terminal: Allows user applications to access the network. File Transfer, Email, Browsing: Includes various protocols and services for specific applications.

Examples: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

These are the OSI reference model in computer networks.

 

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