OSI Model

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)

Layer Name Description
7 application end-user software: HTTP, FTP, POP, SMTP, DNS
6 presentation encode, encrypt, and compress data
5 session creates communication channels/session, controls ports
4 transport data transmission segments, flow and error control, TCP/UDP
3 network breaks up segments into network packets when sending and reassembles on receive, routing
2 data link data format over network, establishes and terminates a connection between two physically-connected nodes on a network. Breaks up packets into frames and sends them from source to destination. Composed of two parts: Logical Link Control (LLC), which identifies network protocols, performs error checking and synchronizes frames; and Media Access Control (MAC), which uses MAC addresses to connect devices and define permissions to transmit and receive data.
1 physical physical cable or wireless connection between network nodes
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