LAYERS OF THE OSI MODEL

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to

understand and describe how different network protocols interact in a communication
system. It divides network communication into seven distinct layers, each responsible
for specific functions in the data transmission process.
Overview of the 7 OSI Layers

Laye
Name Function Real-World Analogy
r

7 Application User interface, application access Writing a letter

Presentatio Data translation, encryption, Translating the letter into a common

6
n compression language

Opening, managing, and closing

5 Session Starting a phone conversation
connections

4 Transport Reliable data delivery, flow control Ensuring the whole letter arrives

3 Network Routing, IP addressing Choosing the delivery route

Addressing and packaging the

2 Data Link MAC addressing, error detection
envelope

Physical transmission (cables, Mailing the envelope via a postal

1 Physical
signals) truck

1. Application Layer (Layer 7)

 Function: The topmost layer responsible for providing network services directly to
end users. It enables applications to communicate over the network.
 What it does:
Transmits raw bits (0s and 1s) over a physical medium like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or fiber
optic.
 Examples: HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, POP3.
o Your message travels through electrical signals over Wi-Fi or mobile network
towers to reach your friend.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Providing user interfaces and network services.

o Data formatting and presentation.

o Protocol translation (e.g., translating between different application formats).

2. Presentation Layer (Layer 6)

 Function: This layer ensures that data is in a readable format for the application
layer. It handles the syntax and semantics of the information transmitted.
 What it does:
Responsible for node-to-node data transfer, MAC addressing, and error
detection/correction at the local network level.
 Examples: SSL/TLS (for encryption), JPEG, GIF, ASCII, XML.
o On Wi-Fi, your message is tagged with your phone's MAC address so the local
router knows who sent it.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Data encryption and decryption (for privacy/security).
 o Data compression to reduce size.

o Data translation (e.g., converting data formats, encoding).

3. Session Layer (Layer 5)

 Function: Responsible for establishing, managing, and terminating communication
sessions between applications. It controls the dialog (i.e., whether it's full-duplex or
half-duplex).
 What it does:
Handles logical addressing (like IP addresses) and routing data to the destination
through various nodes.
 Examples: NetBIOS, RPC (Remote Procedure Call).
o Your message is sent from your IP address to your friend's IP address, maybe
hopping through routers and switches on the internet.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Managing sessions or connections.

o Maintaining the state of communication (e.g., opening, closing, and

managing sessions).
o Synchronizing data exchanges.

4. Transport Layer (Layer 4)

 Function: Ensures reliable data transfer between two devices. It handles error
correction, data flow control, and segmentation/reassembly of data.
 What it does:
Breaks data into smaller pieces (segments), ensures they are delivered reliably and
in the correct order (via TCP or UDP).
 Examples: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
o Your message is split into packets. If some get lost, the system ensures they
are resent (TCP).
 Key Responsibilities:
o Reliable data delivery (with TCP) or unreliable (with UDP).

o Flow control (to avoid congestion).

o Error detection and correction.

o Segmentation and reassembly of data.

5. Network Layer (Layer 3)

 Function: Responsible for the logical addressing of data and routing it through the
network. It determines the best path to transfer data across networks.
 What it does:
Handles logical addressing (like IP addresses) and routing data to the destination
through various nodes.
 Examples: IP (Internet Protocol), ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol), routers.
o Your message is sent from your IP address to your friend's IP address, maybe
hopping through routers and switches on the internet.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Routing data packets between devices across different networks.

o Logical addressing (IP addressing).

o Fragmentation and reassembly of packets.

 o Path selection and routing via routing tables.

6. Data Link Layer (Layer 2)

 Function: Provides reliable data transfer over a physical link by detecting and
correcting errors at the physical layer. It also handles MAC (Media Access Control)
addressing.
 What it does:
Responsible for node-to-node data transfer, MAC addressing, and error
detection/correction at the local network level.
 Examples: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol).
o On Wi-Fi, your message is tagged with your phone's MAC address so the local
router knows who sent it.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Framing data into packets for the physical layer.

o Error detection and correction.

o Flow control.

o MAC addressing (unique identifiers for network interfaces, such as Ethernet

addresses).

7. Physical Layer (Layer 1)

 Function: The lowest layer that deals with the physical transmission of raw data
bits over a physical medium (cables, radio waves, etc.).
 What it does:
Transmits raw bits (0s and 1s) over a physical medium like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or fiber
optic.
 Examples: Ethernet cables, fiber optics, wireless transmission, Bluetooth.
o Your message travels through electrical signals over Wi-Fi or mobile network
towers to reach your friend.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Transmission of raw bits (0s and 1s) over a physical medium.

o Modulation and encoding of signals (e.g., turning data into electrical or

optical signals).
o Managing hardware devices such as cables, switches, and network interface
cards (NICs).
Simple Overview:
 Layer 1: How the data travels (like the road or wires).
 Layer 2: How the data gets packaged and addressed.
 Layer 3: How the data finds the best path to travel.
 Layer 4: How the data is divided into smaller parts and checks for errors.
 Layer 5: How the data is organized in a conversation.
 Layer 6: How the data is translated or encrypted into the right format.
 Layer 7: How you interact with the network (like browsing a website or using an
app).
 Example
Layer Function
Protocols/Technologies

Layer
Application Layer: Provides services to end users HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS
7

Layer
Presentation Layer: Data formatting & encryption SSL/TLS, JPEG, GIF
6

Layer
Session Layer: Manages sessions and dialog NetBIOS, RPC
5

Layer Transport Layer: End-to-end communication, flow

TCP, UDP
4 control

Layer
Network Layer: Routing and addressing IP, ICMP, Routers
3

Layer
Data Link Layer: Error detection, framing Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP
2

Layer
Physical Layer: Physical transmission of bits Cables, Fiber Optics, Wi-Fi
1

In summary, the OSI model is just a way to understand how your data moves from one
device to another, and each layer does a specific job to make sure that happens smoothly!