Introduction to OSI Reference Model

eLearning >> Networking

Introduction

This module introduces you to the 7 layers of OSI model and explains how data is encapsulated for data
transmission.
After reading this module, you will be able to:

Identify reasons why the networking industry uses a layered network model.
Name the layers of the OSI model and give their relative position in the stack.
Identify the functions of each layer of the OSI reference model.
Characterize the differences between data communicated by the lower layers and by the upper
layers.
Define and explain the steps of data encapsulation and decapsulation.
Network Model Overview
Network Model Overview

In order for a computer to send information to another computer, and for that computer to receive and
understand the information, there has to exist a set of rules or standards for this communication
process. These standards ensure that varying devices and products can communicate with each other
over any network. This set of standards is called a model.
The International Standards Organization (ISO) has been instrumental in creating an industry wide model,
or framework, for defining the rules networks should employ to ensure reliable communications. This
network model is broken into layers, with each layer having a distinctive job in the communication
process.
Consider the following analogy to help put the idea of layered models and their standards in perspective:
Network Model Analogy

In the network model analogy below, a courier service is used to represent the network model. Each step
in the process of sending a package from Atlanta to Toronto requires a specific job to be done at a
specific level.
Illustration with Images Text
Rajeev in Atlanta tells Nidhi in Toronto
that he is going to send her a package
through the OSI Courier Service. Nidhi
in Toronto responds, "Great - I'll be
looking for it."
Bill prepares the weigh bill for the
courier service and calls for pickup.
The OSI Courier Service picks up the
package from Bill's Atlanta office and
takes off in a truck.
The package gets transferred to an
airplane for shipment to Toronto.
The airplane arrives in Toronto where it
is offloaded, sorted and placed on a
truck bound for Nidhi's office.
The package is delivered to Nidhi via
the truck.
Nidhi acknowledges to Bill that she
received the package.
Why the Network Model is Layered

In the courier example above, each step in the process of sending the package from Atlanta to Toronto
required a specific job to be done at a specific level. Just as the package had to go though each step of
the process, transferring and sharing data from one machine on a network to another requires stepping
through a process. To standardize the process, a model for how data is to be sent, sorted, transported
and delivered must be used.
This process is called a network model. Network models exist to provide a framework, or blueprint, for
implementing standards and protocols that allow machines and devices to communicate. Processes and
tasks are separated into logical groups called layers.
Network Model Advantages

This section provides advantages for the network design, architecture and implementation. These
include:

Reduces complexity - by dividing the processes into groups, or layers, implementation of network
architecture is less complex
Provides compatibility - standardized interfaces allow for "plug-and-play" compatibility and multi-
vendor integration
Facilitates modularization - developers "swap" out new technologies at each layer keeping the
integrity of the network architecture
Accelerates evolution of technology - developers focus on technology at one layer while
preventing the changes from affecting another layer
Simplifies learning - processes broken up into groups divides the complexities into smaller,
manageable chunks
Available Network Models

There are a variety of networked models currently being implemented. However, in this section, the focus
will be on the OSI model, while also referencing the TCP/IP model periodically.
What are some advantages in using a network model? (check all that apply)
Increases complexity
Facilitates modularization
Provides compatibility
Complicates learning
Correct Answer(s): 2, 3
OSI Network Model
Open Systems Interconnection(OSI) Model Overview

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model began as a reference model, but has since been
implemented. It was created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to provide a
logical framework for how data communication processes should interact across networks. Standards
were created for the computer industry allowing different networks to work together efficiently.
OSI Model Layers

There are 7 layers in the OSI model. Each layer is responsible for a particular aspect of data
communication. For example, one layer may be responsible for establishing connections between
devices, while another layer may be responsible for error checking during transfer.
The layers of the OSI model are divided into two groups: the upper layer and lower layer. The upper
layers focus on user applications and how files are represented on the computers prior to transport.
For the most part, network engineers are more concerned with the lower layers. It's the lower layers
that concentrate on how the communication across a network actually occurs.
The Term "Open" in OSI

The term open in OSI was used because the intent of the model was to provide a way for
networks to be interconnected without regard to the underlying hardware, as long as the
communications software adhered to the standards. The term has since come to imply modularity
as well.
Modularity

Modularity refers to the exchange of protocols at a particular level without interfering with or damaging the
relationship or tasks of another level.
Within a layer, protocols can be exchanged, allowing communications to still take place seamlessly.
These exchanges may need to occur based on hardware from different vendors or for a variety of
different reasons.
Illustration with Images Text
Consider the courier example. Modularity at the transportation
level implies that it really doesn't matter how the package
gets to the airplane.
It could travel from the sender by truck to the plane or by
boat. Either way, the sender still sends the package and
expects it to get to Toronto. The plane still flies the package
to Toronto regardless of how it was delivered to the pane.
The term "open" in OSI was used because the intent of the model was to provide a
way for networks to be interconnected without regard to the underlying hardware, as
long as the communications software adhered to the standards.
True
False
Correct Answer: 1
The OSI model organizes communication protocols into how many layers?
4
16
7
12
Correct Answer: 3
The 7 OSI Layers
The 7 OSI Layers

The OSI Model consists of the following seven layers:
1. Application
2. Presentation
3. Session
4. Transport
5. Network
6. Data Link
7. Physical
What do the 7 layers really do?

When data is being transferred and shared over a network, it must pass through each of the 7
layers in one machine, from the application layer down, before zipping across a network and
working its way up the layers in the receiving machine.
The OSI Model

The main use of the model is to help network designers understand the functionality involved with the
development and flow of data communications. Included within this model are the protocols for network
properties and transmission methods.
properties and transmission methods.
The model is divided into 7 layers, with individual characteristics and tasks within each layer. Each layer
must communicate with the layer directly above and below through a series of standards and protocols.
Illustration with Images Text
Application Layer: Provides network services to user applications. It
is responsible for exchanging information between programs running on
the machine, such as an e-mail program, and other services running on
a network, such as a print server or another computers' application.
Presentation Layer: Concerned with how data is converted and
formatted for data transfer. Examples of format conversions include
ASCII text for documents and .gif and JPG for images. This layer
performs code conversion, data translation, compression and
encryption.
Session Layer: Determines how two devices establish, maintain and
manage a connection - how they talk to each other. These connections
are called sessions.
Transport Layer: Responsible for breaking the data into segments,
establishing an end-to-end logical connection between machines, and
providing for error handling.
Network Layer: Responsible for determining addressing on the
network, determining the routes that information will take on its journey,
and managing network traffic congestion. Data at this level is packaged
into packets.
Data Link Layer: Provides the link for how data, packaged into frames
is communicated through hardware to be transported across a medium.
It communicates with network cards, manages physical layer
communications between connecting systems and handles error
notification.
Physi cal Layer: Specifies how data is processed into bits and
physically transferred over medium, such as cables. It's responsible for
activating and maintaining the physical link between systems.
Which of the OSI layers provides segmentation and re-assembly
Applications
Presenation
Session
Transport
Network
Data Link
Physical
Correct Answer: 4
What is the information structure produced at OSI level 3 called?
Segment
Data
Packet
Frame
Correct Answer: 3
Which of layers provides code formatting?
Applications
Presentation
Session
Transport
Network
Data Link
Physical
Correct Answer: 2
Which of layers provides the electrical and mechanical connections between
systems?
Applications
Presenation
Session
Transport
Network
Data Link
Physical
Correct Answer: 7

Data Encapsulation
Data Encapsulation Overview

This topic defines and explains the steps of data encapsulation and decapsulation in the data
communication process.
Data Encapsulation

If we refer back to the example of the courier service, each layer required a separate process to
ensure reliable delivery and transport of the package from Atlanta to Toronto. In order for this to
happen, the package needed to:
1. Have a destination address and tracking number attached
2. Be sorted with the other package pickups for Toronto
3. Placed on a truck bound for a specific plane carrying the packages to Toronto
4. Picked up by a truck and taken to be soted by Toronto destination, and
5. Delivered to the Toronto office.
Along the way, the original destination address served as a reference, however, other information
was attached as well, such as the identification numbers for which truck or which plane. These
additions did not change the package contents or the destination address information, they merely
provided additional routing information needed at the time.
Therefore, this analogy shows how the OSI model is modular, permiting modifications or
replacement of each individual layer without affecting the integrity of the data or modifications that
may be made to other layers in the OSI layer stack.
Data Encapsulation Example

There are 5 basic steps of encapsulation that need to occur:
Illustration with Images Text
Step 1. When you send an e-
mail, the information in the
message is converted to usable
data in the top three layers
(Application, Presentation,
Session) and passed to the
Transport Layer.
Step 2. At the Transport Layer,
protocol information is attached
as a header to the data,
ensuring that the computer at
the other end will be able to
communicate. The data and
header is then packaged into a
segment.
Step 3. The segment is
transferred to the Network Layer
where an additional header
containing source and
destination logical address is
attached. The segment and
header is packaged into a
packet and transferred to the
Data Link Layer.
Step 4. At the Data Link Layer,
both a header and trailer with
a d d i t i o n a l information is
attached and packaged as a
frame. The frame provides
information that allows
connection to the next network
device on the link.
Step 5. The frame is converted
into a series of 0's and 1's (bits)
f o r transmission across the
network medium at the Physical
Layer.
As information structures descend the OSI model layers, they become nested in the
information structures below. What is this called?
Segmentation
Fragmentation
Encapsulation
Multiplexing
Correct Answer: 3

Summary
In Summary...

After reading through the OSI Reference Model Module, you should have a better understanding of the
background of layered models, why they exist, and what purpose they serve.
In review, see if you are able to answer the following:

Identify reasons why the networking industry uses a layered network model.
Name the layers of the OSI model and give their relative position in the stack.
Identify the functions of each layer of the OSI reference model.
Characterize the differences between data communicated by the lower layers and by the upper
layers.
Define and explain the steps of data encapsulation and decapsulation.
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