Network Modeling

The OSI Model used in discussing and explaining networking concepts at high levels, and also when describing network problems and troubleshooting problems. For a more practical look at the structure a network administrators use the TCP/IP Model.

The OSI Model is a theroritical representation of how a network works.

OSI Model
7-- Application Layer
6-- Presentation Layer
5-- Session Layer
4-- Transport Layer
3-- Network Layer
2-- Data Link Layer
1-- Physical Layer


The TCP/IP Model is more of a realistic and working model representation of how a network works. All of the same information from the OSI Model is within the TCP/IP Model. Some of the layers are condensed and overlap within the TCP/IP Model.

TCP/IP Model
5-- Application Layer
4-- Transport Layer
3-- Network Layer
2-- Data Link Layer
1-- Physical Layer

I will attempt to explain the different layers of both the OSI Model and the TCP/IP Model and compare and contrast the two.