Linux and Networking

Linux and Networking

2.3 Layer-based network design models: OSI and TCP/IP

An important idea must be taken into account: the communication process carried out in networks is complex.

To face this complexity, the design of these networks is carried out using the concept of layers or levels. The fundamental idea of this type of design is to divide the communication process into levels. Each of these levels must implement a series of specific functions without taking into account the rest of the functions, which will be resolved at other levels.

network levels
network levels

 

The design of a tiered architecture is based on the following principles:

  • * 1 Each level performs a series of communication functions. These functions must be clearly defined.
  • * 2 The number of levels and their function may be different in each network architecture. The number of levels should be sufficient to separate functions efficiently, but too high a number of levels would overcomplicate the design.
  • * 3 Each level n knows of the existence of adjacent levels, that is, the upper level n + 1 and the lower level n – 1.
  • * 4 The communication between adjacent levels is carried out by means of services. It is said, therefore, that each level offers services to the higher level and uses services from the lower level.
  • * 5 An interface basically defines what information and services a given level offers to the higher level. It is very important that the interfaces are very well defined. When this occurs, the specific implementation of functions at one level can be modified or replaced without making any changes to adjacent levels, a feature known as modularity. Well-defined interfaces provide modularity to the network architecture.
  • * 6 The design of the interfaces must be done in such a way that the flow of information between the levels is minimized. The interfaces must be as simple as possible.
network levels
network levels

 

2.3.1 The OSI model

The OSI model (Open System Interconnection, Open Systems Interconnection) was published in 1983 by the ISO standardization organism. This model receives the ISO 7498 code and is also part of the ITU-T recommendations as X.200 recommendation.

OSI is a layer-based model for the design of network systems. This model also allows the interconnection of open systems, or what is the same, allows two different systems to communicate regardless of their architecture. It is important to note that OSI is a model, not a protocol. Furthermore, the OSI model does not specify the services or protocols that are part of each layer.

The levels defined in the OSI model are seven: physical, link, network, transport, session, presentation, application.

 

osi model
OSI model

 

2.3.1 The TCP/IP model

The TCP/IP architecture proposes the existence of five levels: physical, link, network, transport and application

As can be seen, the most obvious difference is that the session and presentation levels do not appear in this model. 

Any function above the transport layer in TCP/IP is implemented at the application layer. The levels with the most similarities between the OSI model and the TCP/IP model are the network and transport levels.

TCP_IP MODEL
TCP_IP MODEL

 

Rollplay
Explain to your partner what are the differences in between the OSI and TCP/IP model.
The Demeter Project