The Open Systems Internconnection (OSI) model is a theoretical framework that separates the different aspects of networking into seven layers. Understanding these layers and evaluating how they are interconnected and the taxonomy used will provide greater knowledge and assist you to develop skills in the realm of networking.
For this assignment, you will apply telecommunication and network technical knowledge to address the following elements.
Describe the seven layers of the OSI Model.
Compare the relationship between the OSI Model and the TCP/IP protocol using both a graphical and descriptive representation.
Apply standard principles of design to the conceptualization of the OSI model and explain how a network engineer can use the OSI model to help troubleshoot a networking problem.
Explain in which layer of the OSI model the following networking devices and functions can be found. Using your required sources, support your choice of the OSI model layers with a brief explanation of each of the following.
Switches
Routers
Data encryption
Error detection
Remote file access
Email client
Full Answer Section
The Relationship Between the OSI Model and the TCP/IP Protocol
The TCP/IP protocol suite is a set of protocols that are used to implement the OSI model layers. The following table shows the correspondence between the OSI layers and the TCP/IP protocols:
How a Network Engineer Can Use the OSI Model to Troubleshoot a Networking Problem
The OSI model can be used by network engineers to troubleshoot networking problems by isolating the layer at which the problem is occurring. For example, if a user is unable to connect to a website, the network engineer can use the OSI model to determine if the problem is at the physical layer (e.g., the network cable is disconnected), the data link layer (e.g., the network card is not functioning properly), the network layer (e.g., the IP address is incorrect), the transport layer (e.g., the TCP connection is not established), the session layer (e.g., the session is not properly established), the presentation layer (e.g., the data is not being formatted correctly), or the application layer (e.g., the website is down).
Networking Devices and Functions in the OSI Model
The following networking devices and functions can be found in the OSI model:
- Switches operate at the data link layer. They forward data packets between devices on the same network.
- Routers operate at the network layer. They route data packets between devices on different networks.
- Data encryption can be performed at any layer of the OSI model, but it is most commonly performed at the presentation layer.
- Error detection can be performed at any layer of the OSI model, but it is most commonly performed at the data link layer.
- Remote file access can be performed at any layer of the OSI model, but it is most commonly performed at the application layer.
- Email client operates at the application layer. It allows users to send and receive email messages.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Sample Answer
The Seven Layers of the OSI Model
The OSI model divides the process of data communication into seven layers:
- Physical layer. The physical layer is responsible for the physical transmission of data over the network medium. It defines the electrical, mechanical, and procedural specifications for the physical connection between two devices.
- Data link layer. The data link layer provides error detection and correction for the physical layer. It also establishes and maintains the logical link between two devices.
- Network layer. The network layer is responsible for routing data packets between devices on different networks. It also provides addressing and routing information for the data packets.
- Transport layer. The transport layer provides reliable end-to-end delivery of data. It also segments and reassembles data packets, and provides flow control to ensure that the sender does not send data faster than the receiver can process it.
- Session layer. The session layer establishes, manages, and terminates communication sessions between two applications. It also provides synchronization and error recovery services.
- Presentation layer. The presentation layer formats data so that it can be understood by the application layer. It also encrypts and decrypts data, and performs other transformations on data.
- Application layer. The application layer provides services to the user, such as file transfer, email, and web browsing.