This paper explains the 2 popular reference models: OSI reference model and TCP/IP model, by comparing the functionality of each layer in both models.

Understanding Protocols and the OSI Network Model Getting a handle on the invisible part of your network—the protocols that are in use—can be of enormous value in helping you detect problems.

TCP/IP also is a layered protocol but does not use all of the OSI layers, though the layers are equivalent in operation and function (Fig. 2). The network access layer is equivalent to OSI layers ...

5) Application Layer The application layer in the TCP/IP stack, and its equivalent layers in the OSI model, deals with session management and applications executed on the equipment.

As a matter of fact, when I started writing this post I titled it “Layer 4 of the OSI Model – understanding the application layer,” and then I had to go back and correct myself.

OSI-101* First, and foremost, the OSI stack is just a theoretical reference model. There is no actual OSI software. It has been around since about 1980, and it is based upon recommendations from the ...

Layer 7: Application The Application Layer in the OSI model is the layer that is the “closest to the end user”. It receives information directly from users and displays incoming data to the user.

Ethernet is a layer 2 data link protocol that is widely used with the TCP/IP protocol, which resides at layers 3 and 4. To understand network communications, it is essential to learn about the ...

Whether it’s wired or wireless, most data communications today happens by way of packets of information travelling over one or more networks. But before these networks can work ...