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osi model

Uploaded by

gustavofring894
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The OSI model

So far in this section of the course, you learned about the components of a network, network
devices, and how communication occurs across a network. You also studied the TCP/IP model to
understand how network communication is organized across different layers of the internet.

All communication on a network is organized using network protocols. Previously, you learned
about the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which establishes connections between two
devices, and the Internet Protocol (IP), which is used for routing and addressing data packets as
they travel between devices on a network. These protocols are used on specific internet layers in
the TCP/IP model. The 4-layer TCP/IP model is a condensed form of the OSI (open Systems
Interconnection) model, which is made up of 7 layers. The OSI model will provide a more in
depth understanding of the processes that occur at each layer. We will work backwards from
layer seven to layer one, going from the processes that involve direct user interaction with the
network to those that involve the physical connection to the internet via network components like
cables and switches. This reading will also review the main differences between the TCP/IP and
OSI models.

The TCP/IP model vs. the OSI model


The TCP/IP model is a framework used to visualize how data is organized and transmitted
across a network. This model helps network engineers and security analysts conceptualize
processes on the network and communicate where disruptions or security threats occur.

The TCP/IP model has four layers: the network access layer, internet layer, transport layer, and
application layer. When analyzing network events, security professionals can determine what
layer or layers an attack occurred in based on what processes were involved in the incident.

The OSI model is a standardized concept that describes the seven layers computers use to
communicate and send data over the network. Network and security professionals often use this
model to communicate with each other about potential sources of problems or security threats
when they occur.
Some organizations rely heavily on the TCP/IP model, while others prefer to use the OSI model.
As a security analyst, it’s important to be familiar with both models. Both the TCP/IP and OSI
models are useful for understanding how networks work.

Layer 7: Application layer


The application layer includes processes that directly involve the everyday user. This layer
includes all of the networking protocols that software applications use to connect a user to the
internet. This characteristic is the identifying feature of the application layer—user connection to
the internet via applications and requests.

An example of a type of communication that happens at the application layer is using a web
browser. The internet browser uses HTTP or HTTPS to send and receive information from the
website server. The email application uses simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) to send and
receive email information. Also, web browsers use the domain name system (DNS) protocol to
translate website domain names into IP addresses which identify the web server that hosts the
information for the website.

Layer 6: Presentation layer


Functions at the presentation layer involve data translation and encryption for the network. This
layer adds to and replaces data with formats that can be understood by applications (layer 7) on
both sending and receiving systems. Formats at the user end may be different from those of the
receiving system. Processes at the presentation layer require the use of a standardized format.
Some formatting functions that occur at layer 6 include encryption, compression, and
confirmation that the character code set can be interpreted on the receiving system. One example
of encryption that takes place at this layer is SSL, which encrypts data between web servers and
browsers as part of websites with HTTPS.

Layer 5: Session layer


A session describes when a connection is established between two devices. An open session
allows the devices to communicate with each other. Session layer protocols keep the session
open while data is being transferred and terminate the session once the transmission is complete.

The session layer is also responsible for activities such as authentication, reconnection, and
setting checkpoints during a data transfer. If a session is interrupted, checkpoints ensure that the
transmission picks up at the last session checkpoint when the connection resumes. Sessions
include a request and response between applications. Functions in the session layer respond to
requests for service from processes in the presentation layer (layer 6) and send requests for
services to the transport layer (layer 4).

Layer 4: Transport layer


The transport layer is responsible for delivering data between devices. This layer also handles the
speed of data transfer, flow of the transfer, and breaking data down into smaller segments to
make them easier to transport. Segmentation is the process of dividing up a large data
transmission into smaller pieces that can be processed by the receiving system. These segments
need to be reassembled at their destination so they can be processed at the session layer (layer 5).
The speed and rate of the transmission also has to match the connection speed of the destination
system. TCP and UDP are transport layer protocols.

Layer 3: Network layer


The network layer oversees receiving the frames from the data link layer (layer 2) and delivers
them to the intended destination. The intended destination can be found based on the address that
resides in the frame of the data packets. Data packets allow communication between two
networks. These packets include IP addresses that tell routers where to send them. They are
routed from the sending network to the receiving network.

Layer 2: Data link layer


The data link layer organizes sending and receiving data packets within a single network. The
data link layer is home to switches on the local network and network interface cards on local
devices.

Protocols like network control protocol (NCP), high-level data link control (HDLC), and
synchronous data link control protocol (SDLC) are used at the data link layer.
Layer 1: Physical layer
As the name suggests, the physical layer corresponds to the physical hardware involved in
network transmission. Hubs, modems, and the cables and wiring that connect them are all
considered part of the physical layer. To travel across an ethernet or coaxial cable, a data packet
needs to be translated into a stream of 0s and 1s. The stream of 0s and 1s are sent across the
physical wiring and cables, received, and then passed on to higher levels of the OSI model.

Key takeaways
Both the TCP/IP and OSI models are conceptual models that help network professionals design
network processes and protocols with regards to data transmission between two or more systems.
The OSI model contains seven communication layers. Network and security professionals use
the OSI model to communicate with each other about potential sources of problems or security
threats when they occur. Network engineers and network security analysts use the TCP/IP and
OSI models to conceptualize network processes and communicate the location of disruptions or
threats.

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