Data transfer within a network between two systems.

System A 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

*Note that after System As data goes through to System B, System B sends data back to System A, but starting with Layer 1
instead of 7.

The OSI Model is a conceptual model that helps to explain how computer systems communicate with
each other on a network. It is the most basic concept of computer networking. The OSI Model organizes
network functions into seven layers that define the different stages that data goes through when
moving from one system to another. You dont have to be a programmer to encounter the OSI Model it
is applicable to almost all Internet activity. Whenever you surf the web, send an email, or participate in a
video call, the OSI Model is in play. See the chart below to learn what each layer does.

Layer Function
7 This is the layer where the user interacts with the data via some product
(e.g. Chrome, Outlook, Skype, etc.).
6 Translates the data into a compatible, readable format for successful
transfer.
5 Establishes and maintains a connection between the two systems.

4 Reliably ensures that the data is error-free, then reliably ensures delivery.

3 Logically routes the data through different networks to the correct IP

address.
2 Reliably corrects errors in the data, helps route it, and sends it to the other
systems unique address.
1 Physically transmits the data through cables, wires, etc.

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What does it look like in the real world? Below is an example of how the OSI Model comes into play for a
basic, everyday task: loading a webpage with a computers web browser.

When you launch a web browser such as Chrome, you are using an application. When you use Chrome to
launch a webpage such as YouTube, Chrome (the application) finds the web server (where YouTube is
stored), requests the webpage (YouTube) to open, and eventually displays all of the data associated with
YouTube.

After receiving a response from the web server, Chrome

converts the files associated with YouTube to a format
that your computer can display and presents them to
your screen so that you, the user, can see the page.
Translating data so that your computer can display it
happens in the presentation layer. If Chrome isnt able to
translate the data, it can launch external applications
that can.

When you launch YouTube, Chrome establishes a connection to YouTubes web server. In response, that
web server sends the webpage (YouTube) to your computer so you can open it. Then, Chrome analyzes
YouTubes HTML (the webpages code) so that it can find additional files it needs to deliver the sites full
experience with audio, video, etc. Whenever it finds a file it needs, a new connection to YouTubes web
server is created. Every time a new connection is made, a new session is launched.

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Every time your computer makes a new connection to YouTubes web server, YouTubes webpage is
broken up into smaller data chunks. These chunks get labeled, reassembled to their original order, and
transported to the session that they belong to. This is to ensure that there are no errors in the data and
that it can be delivered successfully.

Your computer uses Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to locate YouTubes web server so that it can
connect to it. During this connection, the web server receives your computers IP address so that it knows
where the request is coming from and is able to respond to it accordingly.

When Chrome creates a request to open YouTube, that request is sent to the
network. From there, your computer takes it and converts it into a request that
goes to the Internet, which ultimately results in your ability to open YouTube. Both
your computer and the webserver also have Media Access Control (MAC)
addresses, which help route the path that the data takes within the network layer
so that you can enjoy YouTube properly. Along the way, there are protocols in the data link layer that
correct errors to ensure that the data is delivered properly.

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All of this is able to happen because your computer is physically plugged into the network through the
Internet, either via Ethernet (electrical signals), Wi-Fi (radio waves), or other mediums.

As explained above, the layers of the OSI Model work together to accomplish (seemingly) simple tasks
such as loading a webpage on a computers web browser. Each layer of the OSI Model is related in some
way both to the one before it and the one after it. When data goes through one layer, it is preparing to
move on to the next until the given task is completed. See the graphic at the top of page 1 for a
visualization of how System A sends data (starting with Layer 7) to System B, and how System B sends data
(starting with Layer 1) back to System A.

The OSI Model is a teaching tool to help people understand how computer networks and system
communications work. One practical application for the OSI Model is that it can help diagnose and
resolve computer network errors. For example, if you are trying to launch your favorite online video game
on your computer but it wont work, you can use the OSI hierarchy to find the problem. Layer 1 has to do
with physical connections between your computer and the network. So if you check to make sure that
your computer is plugged into your Internet router and it isnt, you know that the physical layer of the OSI
Model was not in order, which caused your inability to
launch the online video game. This is just one example of
how the layers of the OSI Model work for diagnosing
communication errors between systems.

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 References

Daemon, Inet. "InetDaemon.Com." OSI Model - A Real World Example::InetDaemon.Com. Inet Daemon
Enterprises, 15 Feb. 2014. Web. 11 July 2017.

Rouse, Margaret. "What Is OSI Reference Model (Open Systems Interconnection)? - Definition from
WhatIs.com." SearchNetworking. TechTarget, 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 11 July 2017.

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