OSI Model and TCP/IP Model Comparison

Comparison

The protocols that make up the TCP/IP protocol suite can also be described in terms of the OSI reference model. Network access layer and Application layer of TCP/IP model are further divided In the OSI model describe discrete functions that must occur at these layers.

Network Access layer of TCP/IP model does not specify which protocols to use when transmitting over a physical medium. It only describes the handover from the internet layer to physical layer. On the other hand, OSI Layer physical and data link layer discuss the basic process to access the media and the physical means to send data over a network.

OSI Layer 3

The network layer maps directly to the TCP/IP Internet layer. This layer is used to explain protocols that address and route messages from end to end an internetwork.

OSI Layer 4

The transport layer maps directly to the TCP/IP Transport layer. This layer explains general services and functions that provide ordered and reliable delivery of data between source and destination hosts.

The application layer of the TCP/IP model includes a number of protocols that provide specific functionality to a variety of end-user applications. The OSI Model Layers 5, 6, and 7 are used as references for application software developers and vendors to produce products that operate on networks.

Both the TCP/IP and OSI models are commonly used when referring to protocols at various layers. Because the OSI model separates the data link layer from the physical layer, it is commonly used when referring to these lower layers.

OSI is a generic, protocol-independent standard, acting as a communication gateway between the network and end user.TCP/IP model is based on standard protocols around which the Internet has developed. It is a communication protocol, which allows connection of hosts over a network.

OSI is a reference model around which the networks are built. Generally, it is used as a guidance tool.TCP/IP model is, in a way implementation of the OSI model.

OSI has 7 layers and TCP has 4 Layer model. following is the comparison model of both layer.