OSI Reference Model
Reference Model
Reference Model offers a means of standardization which is acceptable worldwide.
Since people using the computer network are located over a wide physical range and their
network devices might have different architecture.
In order to provide communication among different devices, we need a standardized
model i.e. a reference model, which would provide us way how these devices can
communicate regardless their architecture.
OSI Model
OSI is Open System Interface.
This model is developed by the International organization of Standardization ISO and
therefore also referred as ISO-OSI Model.
The OSI model consists of seven layers as shown in the following diagram. Each layer has
a specific function, however each layer provide services to the layer above.
Physical Layer
The Physical layer is responsible for the following activities:
Activating, maintaining and deactivating the physical connection.
Defining voltages and data rates needed for transmission.
Converting digital bits into electrical signal.
Deciding whether the connection is simplex, half duplex or full duplex.
Data Link Layer
The data link layer performs the following functions:
Error control for the information which is to be transmitted over the physical link.
Enables error detection, and adds error detection bits to the data which are to be
transmitted.
Network Layer
Following are the functions of Network Layer:
To route the signals through various channels to the other end.
To act as the network controller by deciding which route data should take.
To divide the outgoing messages into packets.
Transport Layer
The Transport layer performs the following functions:
It decides if the data transmission should take place on parallel paths or single path.
It performs multiplexing, splitting on the data.
It breaks the data groups into smaller units so that they are handled more efficiently by the
network layer.
Session Layer
The Session layer performs the following functions:
Manages the messages and synchronizes conversations between two different applications.
It controls logging on and off, user identification and session management.
Presentation Layer
The Presentation layer performs the following function:
This layer makes it sure that the information is delivered in such a form that the receiving
system will understand and use it.
Application Layer
The Application layer performs the following functions:
It provides different services such as manipulation of information in several ways,
retransferring the files of information, distributing the results etc.
The functions such as LOGIN or password checking are also performed by the application
layer.
