The Osi Model.

Front 1

What does OSI stand for and what does it mean?

Back 1

The Open System Interconnection (OSI) model defines a networking framework to implement protocols in seven layers. In the OSI model, control is passed from one layer to the next, starting at the application layer in one station, and proceeding to the bottom layer, over the channel to the next station and back up the hierarchy.

Front 2

Define layer 1.

Back 2

Layer 1 is the Physical Layer. It conveys the bit stream - electrical impulse, light or radio signal — through the network at the electrical and mechanical level. It provides the hardware means of sending and receiving data on a carrier, including defining cables, cards and physical aspects. Fast Ethernet, RS232, and ATM are protocols with physical layer components.

Front 3

Define Layer 2.

Back 3

Layer 2 is the Data Link Layer. Within the layer, data packets are encoded and decoded into bits. It furnishes transmission protocol knowledge and management and handles errors in the physical layer, flow control and frame synchronization. The data link layer is divided into two sub-layers: The Media Access Control (MAC) layer and the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer. The MAC sub-layer controls how a computer on the network gains access to the data and permission to transmit it. The LLC layer controls frame synchronization, flow control and error checking.

Front 4

Define Layer 3.

Back 4

Layer 3 is the Network Layer. Layer 3 provides switching and routing technologies, creating logical paths, known as virtual circuits, for transmitting data from node to node. Routing and forwarding are functions of this layer, as well as addressing, internetworking, error handling, congestion control and packet sequencing.

Front 5

Define layer 4.

Back 5

Layer 4 is called the Transport Layer. OSI Model, Layer 4, provides transparent transfer of data between end systems, or hosts, and is responsible for end-to-end error recovery and flow control. It ensures complete data transfer.

Front 6

Define layer 5.

Back 6

Layer 5 is called the Session Layer. This layer establishes, manages and terminates connections between applications. The session layer sets up, coordinates, and terminates conversations, exchanges, and dialogues between the applications at each end. It deals with session and connection coordination.

Front 7

Define layer 6.

Back 7

Layer 6 is called the Presentation Layer. This layer provides independence from differences in data representation (e.g., encryption) by translating from application to network format, and vice versa. The presentation layer works to transform data into the form that the application layer can accept. This layer formats and encrypts data to be sent across a network, providing freedom from compatibility problems. It is sometimes called the syntax layer.

Front 8

Define layer 7.

Back 8

Layer 7 is the Application Layer. OSI Model, Layer 7, supports application and end-user processes. Communication partners are identified, quality of service is identified, user authentication and privacy are considered, and any constraints on data syntax are identified. Everything at this layer is application-specific. This layer provides application services for file transfers, e-mail, and other network software services. Telnet and FTP are applications that exist entirely in the application level. Tiered application architectures are part of this layer.