OSI Reference Model
Our Definition
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model is a seven-layer model developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO) to model the way that computers interact with a network. The seven layers are as follows:
7. Application
6. Presentation
5. Session
4. Transport
3. Network
2. Data Link
1. Physical
The top three layers (application, presentation, and session) refer to the software applications and issues resolved on one's computer. The bottom four layers refer to the ways that information is transferred over a network. The data link and physical layers are interdependent and comprise the physical infrastructure necessary to run a network including objects such as bridges, Switch and repeater hubs. Within the network layer, routers route data in packets of information. Within the transport layer, certain protocols exist to route traffic.
|
Sources and Online Definitions
"Short for Open System Interconnection, an ISO standard for worldwide communications that defines a networking framework for implementing protocols in seven layers. Control is passed from one layer to the next, starting at the application layer in one station, proceeding to the bottom layer, over the channel to the next station and back up the hierarchy."
"The Open Systems Interconnection Basic Reference Model (OSI Reference Model or OSI Model for short) is a layered, abstract description for communications and computer network protocol design. It was developed as part of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) initiative and is sometimes known as the OSI seven layer model. From top to bottom, the OSI Model consists of the Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, and Physical layers. A layer is a collection of related functions that provides services to the layer above it and receives service from the layer below it. For example, a layer that provides error-free communications across a network provides the path needed by applications above it, while it calls the next lower layer to send and receive packets that make up the contents of the path."
Comments (1)
Anonymous said
at 11:41 am on Apr 17, 2008
I like your definition for this term. It seems like a complicated idea, but you explain it really well!
You don't have permission to comment on this page.