Abbreviation for Open Systems Interconnect Reference Model. An international standard for conceptualizing the architecture of computer networks, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), that improves network flexibility. The employs a divide-and-conquer approach, in which network functions are divided into seven categories, called layers, and communication standards are established to handle the transfer of data from one layer to another. Within each layer, protocols are developed that focus on those layers functions, and no others.
Within a network-connected computer, outgoing messages move down a protocol stack, successively transforming until the data is ready to be sent out via the physical network. At the receiving end, the data moves up the stack, undergoing the mirror image of the transformation process until the data is ready to be displayed by an application — the calls for a total of seven layers. From the top of the stack to the bottom, they are: application layer, presentation layer, session layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer, and physical layer. See the application layer, data link layer, network layer, physical layer, presentation layer, session layer, transport layer.
Technipages Explains Osi Reference Model
OSI reference model is a representation to understand how applications communicate on a network. IT professionals, through the model, can chart how a data is sent or received. What OSI reference model does is to allow the data transmission to pass over seven layers, each of the seven layers have their distinctive roles. Better put, any communication between people from two ends can be reduced to seven layers.
Each of the layers has its; each function and that’s all the layer does. All the seven layers are powered by hardwares which ensures a signal is sent over the network. From the top of the stack of layers to the bottom, they are: application layer, presentation layer, session layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer, and physical layer.
The model makes use of layers to understand what is going on in a particular system, if there was to be any issue, it helps the IT professional to pinpoint the source of the problem.
OSI reference model was adopted by the International Standards Organization (ISO) in 1984. Before this, it was being developed by some computer and telecommunications company in 1983. When the model was being developed, the aim was to provide a set of design standards for equipment hardware they could communicate.
Common Uses of Osi Reference Model
- For IT professionals, the seven layers refer to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, which is a conceptual framework.
- Most of the description of the OSI reference model go from top to bottom, with the numbers descending from layer 7 up till next layer 1.
- OSI reference model is based on a proposal developed by the International Standards Organisation
Common Misuses of Osi Reference Model
- The OSI reference models were not intended as a basis for developing universally accepted networking protocol.
- OSI reference models have its equivalent of IP and TCP