Comparison between TCP/IP and OSI Models

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  1. Comparison between TCP/IP and OSI models is very important because protocols that make up the TCP IP protocol suite can also be described in terms of the OSI reference model. The network access layer and Application layer of the TCP IP models are further divided the OSI model describes discrete functions that must occur at these layers. Both models are widely used networking models for communication. The important difference between both is that OSI is a conceptual model that is not practically used for communication, whereas, TCP IP is used; for establishing a connection and communicating through the network.

Network Access layer of TCP/IP model does not specify which protocols to use when transmitting over a physical medium. It only describes the handover from the internet layer to the physical layer. On the other hand, OSI Layer physical and data link layer discuss the basic process to access the media and the physical means to send data over a network.

Network Layer of OSI and Internet Layer of TCP/IP Model

The network layer maps directly to the TCP/IP Internet layer. This layer explains protocols that address and route messages from end to end an internetwork.

Transport Layer

The transport layer maps directly to the TCP IP Transport layer. This layer explains general services and functions that give ordered and reliable delivery of data between source and destination hosts.

TCP/IP Application Layer

The application layer of the TCP IP model includes a number of protocols that give specific functionality to a variety of end-user applications. The OSI Model Layers 5, 6, and 7 used as references for application software developers and vendors to produce products that operate on networks.

TCP/IP and OSI Models and Protocols comparison

Both the TCP IP and OSI models commonly used when referring to protocols at various layers. OSI is a generic, protocol-independent standard, acting as a communication gateway between the network and end user. TCP/IP model is based on standard protocols around which the Internet has developed. It is a communication protocol, which allows connection of hosts over a network. OSI is a reference model around which the networks built. Generally, it is a guidance tool.TCP IP model is, in a way implementation of the OSI model.

OSI has 7 layers and TCP has 4 Layer model. following is the comparison model of both layer.

Key Differences between TCP/IP and OSI Model

1. TCP IP is a client-server model, i.e. when the client requests for service it is provided by the server. Whereas, OSI is a conceptual model.

2.TCP IP is a standard protocol used for everywhere in networking and internet, whereas, OSI is not a protocol, but a reference model used for understanding and designing the system architecture.

3.TCP IP has a four-layer, whereas, OSI has seven layers model.

4.TCP IP is Tangible, whereas, OSI is not.

5.TCP IP follows top to bottom approach, whereas, OSI Model follows a bottom-up approach.