Open System Interconnection - The OSI Layer
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| Fig 1 - The OSI Layer |
History of OSI Layer
The DoD Model
DoD is short for Department of Defense, who desgined TCP/IP for ArpaNet. ALthough they are similar, in contrary to the 7-layer OSI model the DoD model has 4-layers. Each DoD layer and its functions corresponds to 1 or more OSI layers and their functions, which is represented in the image (Fig - 2) below:
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| Fig - 2 |
The relationship between the OSI Layer and the DoD Layer is discussed later on.
The 7-layer OSI MODEL
The OSI (Open System Interconnection) model is developed by ISO in 1984, an improvisation of the DoD Model, to provide a reference model for the complex aspects related to network communication. It divides the different functions and services provided by network hardware and software in 7 layers. This facilitates modular engineering, simplifies teaching and learning network technologies, helps to isolate problems and allows vendors to focus on just the layer(s) in which their hardware or software is implemented and be able to create products that are compatible, standardized and interoperable.
The diagram below (Fig - 3) shows the 7 layers of the OSI Model, to remember them in the correct order a common mnemonic is often used:- Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away.
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| Fig - 3 |
- The Application, Presentation and Session layer are known as the Upper Layer and are implemented in software.
- The Transport and Network layer are mainly concerned with protocols for delivery and routing of packets to a destination and are implemented in software as well.
- The Data Link is implemented in hard- and software and the Physical layer is implemented in hardware only, hence its name. These last two layers define LAN and WAN specifications and are also known as Lower Layer.
A more detailed description of each layer follows below, but here's what basically happens when data passes from Host A to Host B (Fig - 1 & 3):
1. the Application, Presentation and Session layer take user input and converts it into data,
2. the Transport layer adds a segment header converting the data into segments,
3. the Network layer adds a network header and converts the segments into packets ,
4. the Data Link layer adds a frame header converting the packets into frames,
5. the MAC sublayer layer converts the frames into a bits which the Physical layer can put on the wire.
The steps are known as the 5 steps of data encapsulation (Host A). When the bits stream arrives at the destination, the Physical layer takes it of the wire and converts it into frames, each layer will remove their corresponding header while the data flows up the OSI model until it is converted back to data and presented to the user, this is known as decapsulation (Host B).
Now we shall discuss each layer in detail.
PHYSICAL LAYER
This layer communicates directly with the physical media, it is responsible for activating, maintaining and deactivating the physical link. It handles a raw bits stream and places it on the wire to be picked up by the Physical layer at the receiving node. It defines electrical and optical signaling, voltage levels, data transmission rates and distances as well as mechanical specifications such as cable lengths and connectors, the amount of pins and their function.
Devices that operate on this layer are: -HUBs/concentrators, repeaters, NICs, and LAN &WAN interfaces such as RS-232, OC-3, BRI, V.24, V.35, X.25 and Frame Relay.
DATA LINK
The Data Links provides transparent network services to the Network layer so the Network layer can be ignorant about the physical network topology and and provides access to the physical networking media. Responsible for reassembling bits taken of the wire by the Physical layer to frames, makes sure they are in the correct order and requests retransmission of frames in case an error occurs. Provides error checking by adding a CRC to the frame, and flow control.
Devices that operate on this layer are:- switches, bridges, WAPs, and NICs.
The IEEE refined the standards and divided the Data Link layer into two sublayers: the LLC and the MAC sub layer.
- LLC sublayer
LLC is short for Logical Link Control. The Logical Link Control is the upper sublayer of the Data Link layer. LLC masks the underlying network technology by hiding their differences hence providing a single interface to the network layer. The LLC sublayer uses Source Service Access Points (SSAPs) and Destination Service Access Points (DSAPs) to help the lower layers communicate to the Network layer protocols acting as an intermediate between the different network protocols (IPX, TCP/IP, etc.) and the different network types (Ethernet, Token Ring, etc.) This layer is also responsible for frames sequencing and acknowledgements.
The LLC sublayer is defined in the IEEE standard 802.2.
- MAC sublayer
The Media Access Control layer takes care of physical addressing and allows upper layers access to the physical media, handles frame addressing, error checking. This layer controls and communicates directly with the physical network media through the network interface card. It converts the frames into bits to pass them on to the Physical layer who puts them on the wire (and vice versa)
IEEE LAN standards such as 802.3, 802.4, 802.5, 802.10, 802.11 (a,b&g) & 802.15 define standards for the MAC sublayer as well as the Physical layer.
Other standards on this layer include: X.25 and Frame Relay
Data Link layer addresses
Also known as layer 2 addresses, BIAs (Burned-in Address), physical address and most commonly referred to as MAC address. This is a fixed address programmed into a NIC or a router interface for example. 00-10-E3-42-A8-BC is an example of a MAC address. The first 6 hexadecimal digits (3 bytes) specify the vendor/manufacturer of the NIC, the other 6 digits (3 bytes) define the host.
The layer 2 broadcast address is FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF.
NETWORK
This layer converts the segments from the Transport layer into packets (or datagrams) and is responsible for path determination, routing, and the delivery of these individual packets across multiple networks without guaranteed delivery. The network layer treats these packets independently, without recognizing any relationship between those packets, it relies on upper layers for reliable delivery and sequencing.
Also this layer is is responsible for logical addressing (also known as network addressing or Layer 3 addressing) for example IP addresses
Examples of protocols defined at this layer:- IP, IPX, AppleTalk, ICMP, RIP, OSPF, BGP, IGRP, EIGRP, NLSP, ARP, RARP, X.25
Devices that operate on this layer:- Routers, Layer 3 Switches (L3 Switches).
Network layer addresses
Also known as Layer 3 or Logical addresses. These type of addresses are protocol-dependent, for example if the network protocol is IP, IP addressing will be used which is made up of a network part and a host part and needs a subnet mask to determine the boundaries of these parts. An example of an IP address is: 172.16.0.1 and a subnet mask: 255.255.0.0
Another example is Novell's IPX addressing, which uses a combination of a hexadecimal network address + the layer 2 MAC address to form a network layer address, for example" 46.0010E342A8BC
TRANSPORT
This layer converts the data received from the upper layers into segments. The Transport layer is responsible for end-to-end (also called source-to-destination) delivery of entire messages. Provides end-to-end connectivity, it allows data to be transferred reliably and sequencing to guarantee that it will be delivered in the same order that it was sent. Provides services such as error checking and flow control (software).
Protocols that operate on this layer: TCP, UDP, NETBEUI, SPX.
These protocols are either connectionless or connection-oriented:
Connection-oriented means that a connection (a virtual link) must be established before data can be exchanged. This can guarantee that data will arrive, and in the same order it was sent. It guarantees delivery by sending acknowledgements back to the source when messages are received. TCP is an example of an connection-oriented transport protocol.
Connectionless is the opposite of connection-oriented; the sender does not establish a connection before it sends data, it just sends without guaranteeing delivery. UDP is an example of an connectionless transport protocol.
SESSION
Establishes, maintains and terminates end-to-end connections (sessions) between two applications on two network nodes. It controls the dialogue between the source and destination node, which node can send when and how long. Also provides error reporting for the Application, Presentation and Session layer.
Protocols/API's that operate on this layer include:- RPC, SQL, NETBIOS.
PRESENTATION
This layer 'represents' the data in a particular format to the Application layer. It defines encryption, compression, conversion and other coding functions.
Specifications defined at this layer include:- GIF, TIFF, JPEG, MPEG, MIME, WAV, MP3 and ASCII.
1. the Application, Presentation and Session layer take user input and converts it into data,
2. the Transport layer adds a segment header converting the data into segments,
3. the Network layer adds a network header and converts the segments into packets ,
4. the Data Link layer adds a frame header converting the packets into frames,
5. the MAC sublayer layer converts the frames into a bits which the Physical layer can put on the wire.
The steps are known as the 5 steps of data encapsulation (Host A). When the bits stream arrives at the destination, the Physical layer takes it of the wire and converts it into frames, each layer will remove their corresponding header while the data flows up the OSI model until it is converted back to data and presented to the user, this is known as decapsulation (Host B).
Now we shall discuss each layer in detail.
PHYSICAL LAYER
This layer communicates directly with the physical media, it is responsible for activating, maintaining and deactivating the physical link. It handles a raw bits stream and places it on the wire to be picked up by the Physical layer at the receiving node. It defines electrical and optical signaling, voltage levels, data transmission rates and distances as well as mechanical specifications such as cable lengths and connectors, the amount of pins and their function.
Devices that operate on this layer are: -HUBs/concentrators, repeaters, NICs, and LAN &WAN interfaces such as RS-232, OC-3, BRI, V.24, V.35, X.25 and Frame Relay.
DATA LINK
The Data Links provides transparent network services to the Network layer so the Network layer can be ignorant about the physical network topology and and provides access to the physical networking media. Responsible for reassembling bits taken of the wire by the Physical layer to frames, makes sure they are in the correct order and requests retransmission of frames in case an error occurs. Provides error checking by adding a CRC to the frame, and flow control.
Devices that operate on this layer are:- switches, bridges, WAPs, and NICs.
The IEEE refined the standards and divided the Data Link layer into two sublayers: the LLC and the MAC sub layer.
- LLC sublayer
LLC is short for Logical Link Control. The Logical Link Control is the upper sublayer of the Data Link layer. LLC masks the underlying network technology by hiding their differences hence providing a single interface to the network layer. The LLC sublayer uses Source Service Access Points (SSAPs) and Destination Service Access Points (DSAPs) to help the lower layers communicate to the Network layer protocols acting as an intermediate between the different network protocols (IPX, TCP/IP, etc.) and the different network types (Ethernet, Token Ring, etc.) This layer is also responsible for frames sequencing and acknowledgements.
The LLC sublayer is defined in the IEEE standard 802.2.
- MAC sublayer
The Media Access Control layer takes care of physical addressing and allows upper layers access to the physical media, handles frame addressing, error checking. This layer controls and communicates directly with the physical network media through the network interface card. It converts the frames into bits to pass them on to the Physical layer who puts them on the wire (and vice versa)
IEEE LAN standards such as 802.3, 802.4, 802.5, 802.10, 802.11 (a,b&g) & 802.15 define standards for the MAC sublayer as well as the Physical layer.
Other standards on this layer include: X.25 and Frame Relay
Data Link layer addresses
Also known as layer 2 addresses, BIAs (Burned-in Address), physical address and most commonly referred to as MAC address. This is a fixed address programmed into a NIC or a router interface for example. 00-10-E3-42-A8-BC is an example of a MAC address. The first 6 hexadecimal digits (3 bytes) specify the vendor/manufacturer of the NIC, the other 6 digits (3 bytes) define the host.
The layer 2 broadcast address is FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF.
NETWORK
This layer converts the segments from the Transport layer into packets (or datagrams) and is responsible for path determination, routing, and the delivery of these individual packets across multiple networks without guaranteed delivery. The network layer treats these packets independently, without recognizing any relationship between those packets, it relies on upper layers for reliable delivery and sequencing.
Also this layer is is responsible for logical addressing (also known as network addressing or Layer 3 addressing) for example IP addresses
Examples of protocols defined at this layer:- IP, IPX, AppleTalk, ICMP, RIP, OSPF, BGP, IGRP, EIGRP, NLSP, ARP, RARP, X.25
Devices that operate on this layer:- Routers, Layer 3 Switches (L3 Switches).
Network layer addresses
Also known as Layer 3 or Logical addresses. These type of addresses are protocol-dependent, for example if the network protocol is IP, IP addressing will be used which is made up of a network part and a host part and needs a subnet mask to determine the boundaries of these parts. An example of an IP address is: 172.16.0.1 and a subnet mask: 255.255.0.0
Another example is Novell's IPX addressing, which uses a combination of a hexadecimal network address + the layer 2 MAC address to form a network layer address, for example" 46.0010E342A8BC
TRANSPORT
This layer converts the data received from the upper layers into segments. The Transport layer is responsible for end-to-end (also called source-to-destination) delivery of entire messages. Provides end-to-end connectivity, it allows data to be transferred reliably and sequencing to guarantee that it will be delivered in the same order that it was sent. Provides services such as error checking and flow control (software).
Protocols that operate on this layer: TCP, UDP, NETBEUI, SPX.
These protocols are either connectionless or connection-oriented:
Connection-oriented means that a connection (a virtual link) must be established before data can be exchanged. This can guarantee that data will arrive, and in the same order it was sent. It guarantees delivery by sending acknowledgements back to the source when messages are received. TCP is an example of an connection-oriented transport protocol.
Connectionless is the opposite of connection-oriented; the sender does not establish a connection before it sends data, it just sends without guaranteeing delivery. UDP is an example of an connectionless transport protocol.
SESSION
Establishes, maintains and terminates end-to-end connections (sessions) between two applications on two network nodes. It controls the dialogue between the source and destination node, which node can send when and how long. Also provides error reporting for the Application, Presentation and Session layer.
Protocols/API's that operate on this layer include:- RPC, SQL, NETBIOS.
PRESENTATION
This layer 'represents' the data in a particular format to the Application layer. It defines encryption, compression, conversion and other coding functions.
Specifications defined at this layer include:- GIF, TIFF, JPEG, MPEG, MIME, WAV, MP3 and ASCII.
APPLICATION
The Application layer provides network services directly to the user's application such as a web browser, email software and Windows Explorer. This layer is said to be "closest to the user".
Protocols that operate on this layer include:- TELNET, HTTP, FTP, TFTP, SMTP, NTP, SNMP, EDI.
The Application layer provides network services directly to the user's application such as a web browser, email software and Windows Explorer. This layer is said to be "closest to the user".
Protocols that operate on this layer include:- TELNET, HTTP, FTP, TFTP, SMTP, NTP, SNMP, EDI.
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| Fig - 4 |
Relationship Between The OSI Layer and The DoD Layer
Session, Application & Presentation = Process/Application:- Telnet, FTP, SMTP, HTTP, SNMP, etc.
Transport = Host To Host:- TCP UDP
Network = Internet:- IP, ICMP, ARP, RARP, BootP, etc.
Physical & Data Link = Network Access:- Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, etc.
Transport = Host To Host:- TCP UDP
Network = Internet:- IP, ICMP, ARP, RARP, BootP, etc.
Physical & Data Link = Network Access:- Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, etc.
