π Understanding OSI & TCP/IP Models


Networking doesnβt have to be complicated! Imagine sending a letter π© follows a structured process to reach its destination, and so does data transmission on the Internet. This is where the OSI and TCP/IP models play a crucial role.
π Understanding OSI & TCP/IP Models
OSI Model (7 layers): A theoretical framework that standardizes network communication.
TCP/IP Model (4 layers): A practical model that governs real-world internet communication.
π OSI Model β 7 Layers
1οΈβ£ Application Layer β Facilitates user interaction (e.g., Using HTTP for web browsing π).
2οΈβ£ Presentation Layer β Handles data formatting & encryption (e.g., SSL/TLS for security π).
3οΈβ£ Session Layer β Manages communication sessions (e.g., Video calls on Zoom π₯).
4οΈβ£ Transport Layer β Ensures reliable data delivery (e.g., WhatsApp messages using TCP π©).
5οΈβ£ Network Layer β Determines the best data path (e.g., IP addresses guiding traffic like Google Maps π).
6οΈβ£ Data Link Layer β Ensures error-free transmission over local networks (e.g., MAC addresses in Wi-Fi π‘).
7οΈβ£ Physical Layer β Involves hardware components transmitting data (e.g., Ethernet cables π).
π TCP/IP Model β 4 Layers
1οΈβ£ Application Layer β Integrates the top three OSI layers (e.g., Protocols like HTTP & SMTP π§).
2οΈβ£ Transport Layer β Manages data transmission reliability (e.g., TCP for accuracy, UDP for speed π¬).
3οΈβ£ Internet Layer β Handles addressing and routing (e.g., Assigning IP addresses π).
4οΈβ£ Network Interface Layer β Deals with physical data transfer (e.g., Wi-Fi signals, MAC addresses π‘).
π¦ Real-World Example β The Postal System π¬
1οΈβ£ Composing a Letter β Creating a message (Application Layer).
2οΈβ£ Formatting & Encryption β Setting language and security (Presentation Layer).
3οΈβ£ Addressing the Letter β Establishing a Connection (Session Layer).
4οΈβ£ Selecting a Delivery Method β Choosing between reliability and speed (Transport Layer).
5οΈβ£ Determining the Route β Routers directing data like post offices (Network Layer).
6οΈβ£ Local Sorting β Ensuring correct delivery within a network (Data Link Layer).
7οΈβ£ Final Delivery β A postman physically delivering the letter (Physical Layer).
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Written by

Mubashir Ahmed
Mubashir Ahmed
DevOps Engineer | AWS | Networking | Jenkins | Zabbix | Prometheus | VPN | VPC | Flexential | SSL | TLS | Cloudflare | Registrars | WAF | Firewalls | Git | Jenkins | Docker | Docker Hub | SMTP | Sendgrid | Twilio | MySQL | TypeScript