ASSIGNMENT-1
OSI Model:
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to
understand and describe how different networking protocols interact within a network. It
divides the communication process into seven distinct layers, each responsible for a specific
function in the data transmission process
Layers of OSI Model:
1. Physical Layer (Layer 1)
• Purpose: Transmits raw binary data (bits) over a physical medium (e.g., electrical
signals, light pulses).
• Features: Defines hardware elements involved in the data transmission, such as
cables, switches, and network cards. It doesn’t interpret the data but ensures it is
physically transmitted.
• Exemplary Devices:
o Cables (Ethernet, fiber optic)
o Hubs
o Repeaters
o Network Interface Cards (NICs)
o Wireless transmitters (Wi-Fi)
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2. Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
• Purpose: Ensures reliable data transfer by organizing raw bits into frames and
managing access to the physical medium.
• Features: Handles error detection (e.g., CRC), frame synchronization, and flow
control. It also provides addressing using MAC (Media Access Control) addresses.
• Exemplary Devices:
o Switches
o Network Interface Cards (NICs)
o Bridges
3. Network Layer (Layer 3)
• Purpose: Responsible for routing data packets between devices across different
networks, using logical addressing.
• Features: Provides logical addressing through IP addresses, routing, and packet
forwarding. It determines the optimal path for data transmission across networks.
• Exemplary Devices:
o Routers
o Layer 3 switches
4. Transport Layer (Layer 4)
• Purpose: Provides end-to-end communication between devices, ensuring reliable data
delivery, error correction, and flow control.
• Features: Ensures data is delivered accurately and in order by using protocols like
TCP (for reliable transmission) and UDP (for faster, less reliable transmission).
• Exemplary Devices:
o Gateways (in some contexts)
o Firewalls (to monitor traffic based on transport layer protocols)
5. Session Layer (Layer 5)
• Purpose: Manages and controls the dialogue between two devices, establishing,
maintaining, and terminating sessions.
• Features: Supports full-duplex, half-duplex, or simplex communication, and ensures
that sessions are securely established and terminated.
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• Exemplary Devices:
o Not directly associated with hardware devices, but relevant for applications
requiring session management (e.g., video conferencing systems).
6. Presentation Layer (Layer 6)
• Purpose: Translates, encrypts, and compresses data to ensure it can be understood by
the application layer.
• Features: Data formatting, encryption/decryption, compression, and decompression.
It converts data to a format suitable for the application.
• Exemplary Devices:
o Software-based, e.g., encryption software, media decoders (JPEG, SSL/TLS).
7. Application Layer (Layer 7)
• Purpose: The closest layer to the end-user, providing network services directly to
applications and users.
• Features: It handles application protocols, allowing user-level interactions such as
web browsing, email, and file transfers. It also provides user interface services.
• Exemplary Devices:
o Computers, smartphones (running application software)
o Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
o Email clients (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird)
Zarqa Gulrez(22310237)
