What is the OSI Model? (2024)

FAQs

What is the OSI Model? ›

The OSI or Open Systems Interconnection model is a fundamental reference model that defines how different network protocols communicate. It divides the network communication process into seven layers. These are physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application.

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is a conceptual framework that divides network communications functions into seven layers. Sending data over a network is complex because various hardware and software technologies must work cohesively across geographical and political boundaries.

OSI Reference Model is a definition for layered communications and computer network protocol design. The OSI model divides the network architecture into seven layers starting from the bottom up: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation and Application Layers.

Here are some mnemonic phrases to help you remember the layers of the OSI model: "Please Do Not Throw Salami Pizza Away" — this works for bottom-to-top. If you don't like salami pizza, then how about seafood or spinach pizza instead? "All People Seem To Need Data Processing" — a top-to-bottom reminder.

The OSI Model can be seen as a universal language for computer networking. It is based on the concept of splitting up a communication system into seven abstract layers, each one stacked upon the last. Each layer of the OSI Model handles a specific job and communicates with the layers above and below itself.

OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a reference model for how applications communicate over a network.

The Seven OSI Model Layers. The OSI Model is split into seven abstraction layers: Physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation and application. You can think of the bottom one, Layer 1 (the physical layer), as the closest to the most rudimentary electrical connections.

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Security Architecture defines a systematic approach to providing security at each layer. It defines security services and security mechanisms that can be used at each of the seven layers of the OSI model to provide security for data transmitted over a network.

OSI Model Mnemonics

Pick whichever one you like best to help remember the order of the OSI layers: Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away. All People Seem To Need Data Processing. Please Do Not Teach Students Pointless Acronyms.

What is the phrase for the OSI model? ›

The physical layer, data link layer, network layer, and so on, up to the application layer, is the direction you receive data in a computer network. Hence, the OSI mnemonic takes the form P-D-N-T-S-P-A.

The OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection Model) is a conceptual framework used to describe the functions of a networking system. The OSI model characterizes computing functions into a universal set of rules and requirements in order to support interoperability between different products and software.

OSI stands for Open System Interconnection is a reference model that describes how information from a software application in one computer moves through a physical medium to the software application in another computer. OSI consists of seven layers, and each layer performs a particular network function.

Example 1: Ethernet and Local Area Networks

It provides the way to connect networking devices into a single digital system for transmission of data. In the OSI model at physical layer, transmission of signals is done by ethernet cables and reliability of transmission is provided by Data Link Layer.

The physical layer is the first and lowest layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model. The physical layer's function is to transport data using electrical, mechanical or procedural interfaces. OSI is a reference model used to show how applications communicate over a network.