What is the primary advantage of the OSI model?

It allows different systems from various vendors to communicate.

What is OSI

by Yogi P - September 3, 2023

What is the OSI Full Form?

The OSI full form stands for Open Systems Interconnection. It is a commonly used term in information technology and computer networks.

What is Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)?

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) is a framework that provides standards for the efficient exchange of information between different systems. The OSI model was developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO) in 1984 to provide a standard way to structure the data communication process on computer networks.

Under this model, communication is viewed as a process of ‘layers’, each of which performs specific functions. The functions of each layer builds upon the functions of the underlying layer. Working as a set of layers, the model creates a universal connectivity by categorizing communication processes into seven distinct, yet related, levels, known as the OSI model.

Seven Layers of the OSI Model

The seven layers of the OSI model are broken down into two categories: the upper layers (4-7) and the lower layers (1-3). Here’s a brief description of each layer:

Layer 1 (Physical Layer): This layer performs all the physical tasks such as reception and transmission of signals across a physical link.
Layer 2 (Data Link Layer): This layer prepares the data for transmission by encapsulating, encrypting, segmenting, and formatting it.
Layer 3 (Network Layer): This layer facilitates the delivery of data across the network by managing the address resolution, routing, and congestion control.
Layer 4 (Transport Layer): This layer manages the network transmission reliability by performing functions such as reliability check, flow control, and multiplexing.
Layer 5 (Session Layer): This layer handles the initializing, maintaining, and managing of a network session.
Layer 6 (Presentation Layer): This layer is responsible for encoding and formatting data from the application layer so that it can be consumed by the other layers.
Layer 7 (Application Layer): This layer provides the end user with data access capabilities such as file and directory access.

Advantages of the OSI Model

The OSI model is used as a reference or guideline by many network designers, vendors, and developers. The main advantage of the OSI model is that it allows disparate systems and applications from different vendors and manufacturers to communicate. It has become an international standard for networking, and its use has enabled the global spread of computer networks.

Due to its layered framework and loosely coupled architecture, the OSI model is also highly modular and can be easily adjusted to meet the changing requirements of the network. It also helps in troubleshooting a network by providing a structured way of diagnosing and resolving network issues.