Difference Between OSI Model and TCP/IP Model Last Updated : 19 Sep, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes 43 Likes Like Report OSI and TCP/IP both are logical models. One of the main similarities between the OSI and TCP/IP models is that they both describe how information is transmitted between two devices across a network. Both models define a set of layers. Each layer performs a specific set of functions to enable the transmission of data.OSI Model: It has 7 layers Physical layer, Data Link layer, Network layer, Transport layer, Session layer, Presentation layer, and Application layer. Each layer performs its task independently. TCP/IP Model: It has 4 layers named as Physical layer, Network layer, Transport layer, and Application layer. It also can be used as a communications protocol in a private computer network.Note: They both use the concept of encapsulation, in which data is packaged into a series of headers and trailers that contain information about the data being transmitted and how it should be handled by the network.OSI Model v/s TCP/IP ModelThe OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model and the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) Model are two frameworks used to understand how data moves through networks. While they both help in organizing network communication, they have distinct structures and purposes. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone learning about or working with computer networks.OSI vs TCP/IPParameterOSI ModelTCP/IP ModelFull FormOpen Systems InterconnectionTransmission Control Protocol/Internet ProtocolLayers7 layers (Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical)4 layers (Application, Transport, Internet, Network Access)UsageWorks as a reference model for understanding and designing networks, but not implemented directlyA practical model used in real-world networking, forms the basis of the InternetApproachStrict layer-by-layer architecture, each layer has a defined function and communicates only with adjacent layersFlexible architecture, layers are not as rigidly separated and can interactError HandlingError handling is present at the Data Link (frame errors) and Transport layer (end-to-end reliability)Error handling is mainly the job of TCP, while UDP provides no reliabilityDevelopmentDesigned by ISO in the late 1970s to standardize communication across different systemsDeveloped by DARPA (U.S. Defense) in the 1970s for building the ARPANET (precursor to the Internet) Create Quiz Comment H harleenk_99 Follow 43 Improve H harleenk_99 Follow 43 Improve Article Tags : Computer Networks Difference Between OSI Explore Computer Network BasicsBasics of Computer Networking4 min readTypes of Computer Networks6 min readIntroduction to Internet10 min readNetwork Devices3 min readWhat is OSI Model? - Layers of OSI Model11 min readTCP/IP Model6 min readDifference Between OSI Model and TCP/IP Model2 min readPhysical LayerPhysical Layer in OSI Model3 min readTypes of Network Topology9 min readTransmission Modes in Computer Networks (Simplex, Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex)3 min readTransmission Media in Computer Networks7 min readData Link LayerData Link Layer in OSI Model4 min readSwitching | Computer Networks2 min readVirtual LAN (VLAN)3 min readFraming in Data Link Layer3 min readError Control in Data Link Layer3 min readFlow Control4 min readPiggybacking in Computer Networks2 min readNetwork LayerNetwork Layer in OSI Model3 min readIntroduction of Classful IP Addressing7 min readClassless Addressing in IP Addressing7 min readWhat is an IP Address?11 min readIPv4 Datagram Header4 min readDifference Between IPv4 and IPv63 min readPublic and Private IP addresses4 min readIntroduction To Subnetting5 min readWhat is Routing?10 min readNetwork Layer Protocols9 min readTransport LayerTransport Layer in OSI Model4 min readTransport Layer Protocols9 min readTransmission Control Protocol - TCP4 min readUser Datagram Protocol - UDP3 min readSession Layer & Presentation LayerSession Layer in OSI model2 min readPresentation Layer in OSI model2 min readSecure Socket Layer (SSL)4 min readPoint-to-Point Tunneling Protocol - PPTP2 min readMultipurpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME) Protocol3 min readApplication LayerApplication Layer in OSI Model4 min readClient-Server Model3 min readWorld Wide Web (WWW)6 min readIntroduction to Electronic Mail4 min readWhat is a Content Distribution Network and how does it work?4 min readProtocols in Application Layer4 min readAdvanced TopicsWhat is Network Security?7 min readQuality of Service and Multimedia5 min readAuthentication in Computer Network3 min readEncryption, Its Algorithms And Its Future6 min readIntroduction of Firewall in Computer Network3 min readMAC Filtering in Computer Network3 min readWi-Fi Standards Explained2 min readWhat is Bluetooth?6 min readGenerations of wireless communication2 min readCloud Networking4 min readPracticeTop 50 Plus Networking Interview Questions and Answers15+ min readTop 50 TCP/IP Interview Questions and Answers 202515+ min readNetwork Fundamentals Interview Questions - Computer Networks15+ min readLast Minute Notes for Computer Networks14 min readComputer Network - Cheat Sheet15+ min read Like