Layer Function

Example
Protocols
Hardware ( Lower
3 Levels)
Layer 7
Application
Gives user applications access to network.
This layer represents the services, that
directly support the user applications such
as software for web browsing, file
transfers, database access, and E-mail
FTP, HTTP, SMTP,
DNS, TFTP, NFS,
TELNET

Layer 6
Presentation
The presentation layer, usually part of an
operating system, converts incoming and
outgoing data from one presentation
format to another. Presentation layer
services include data encryption and text
compression.
ASCII, EBCDIC, MIDI,
MPEG, JPEG

Layer 5
Session
Opens, manages, and closes conversations
between two computers. It performs name
recognition and the functions such as
security, needed to allow two applications
to communicate over the network, also
provides error handling.
SQL, RPC
Layer 4
Transport
This layer 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.
Sequences data packets, and requests
retransmission of missing packets. It also
repackages messages for more efficient
transmission over the network.
TCP, UDP
Layer 3
Network
Establishes, maintains and terminates
network connections. Routes data packets
across network segments. Translates logical
addresses and names into physical
addresses.
IP, ICMP, ARP, PING Routers
Layer 2
Data Link
Transmits frames of data from computer to
computer on the same network segment.
Ensures the reliability of the physical link
established at layer 1. Standards define
how data frames are recognized and
provide the necessary flow control and
error handling at the frame set.
IEEE 802.2, 802.3,
802.5
Switches
Layer 1
Physical
The Physical layer defines all the electrical
and physical specifications for devices. This
includes the layout of pins, voltages, and
cable specifications. Hubs, repeaters and
network adapters are physical-layer
devices. Defines cabling and connections.
Transmits data over the physical media.
IEEE 802.2, 802.5 Cabling such Ethernet,
telephone, and patch
cables





Layer Function Example Protocols
Layer 5
Application

This layer is the application software used by the network
user and includes much of what the OSI model contains
in the application, presentation, and session layers. It is
the user's access to the network. By using the application
software, the user defines what messages are sent over
the network.
HTTP, HTML,
Browsers(Internet
Explorer, Safari, Firefox),
Telnet, Messengers, Mail
Clients, SMTP, IMAP, POP
Layer 4
Transport

This layer is responsible for linking the application layer
software to the network and establishing end-to-end
connections between the sender and receiver when such
connections are needed. It is also responsible for
breaking long messages into several smaller messages to
make them easier to transmit and then recombining the
smaller messages back into the original larger message
at the receiving end. The transport layer can also detect
lost messages and request that they be resent
TCP, SPX, Windowing,
Packets
Layer 3
Network

This layer performs routing, in that it selects the next
computer to which the message should be sent. It can
also find the address of that computer if it doesn't already
know it.
IP, IPX, Gateways, Subnet
Masks, routers
Layer 2
Data Link

This layer is responsible for moving a message from one
computer to the next computer in the network path from
the sender to the receiver. It controls the physical layer by
deciding when to transmit messages over the media. It
formats the messages by indicating where they start and
end. It also detects and may correct any errors that have
occurred during transmission.
Ethernet, Frame relay, MAC
addresses, ARP( Address
Resolution Protocol),
Switches
Layer 1
Physical

This layer is the physical connection between the sender
and receiver. Its role is to transfer a series of electrical,
radio, or light signals through the circuit. The physical
layer includes all the hardware devices (e.g., computers,
modems, and switches) and physical media (e.g., cables
and satellites). The physical layer specifies the type of
connection and the electrical signals, radio waves, or light
pulses that pass through it.
Cat 5 cabling, Fiber Optic
Cabling
1. By OSI Layer, which group sets the standards for each OSI layer?
Application: W3C/IETF
Presentation: Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), CompuServe (GIF), Various
Vendors for video and audio codecs, W3C
Session: IETF
Transport: IETF
Network: IETF
Data link: IEEE
Physical: ANSI(American National Standards Institute)/TIA (Telecommunications
Industry Association)/EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance)

2. Describe, by device, how information from your computers keyboard at home gets out to the
Internet. Specifically, briefly describe each device and its function.
a. the keyboard sends data in forms of 1s and 0s to the operating system
b. the modem receives a request to connect to the internet from the operating system
c. the router sends information through networks to the internet

3. Go to speedtest.net and test your Internet connection speed. Report that on your assignment.