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Understanding the OSI Model

Blogs > HackBenjamin
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HackBenjamin
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Canada1094 Posts
June 13 2011 18:54 GMT
#1
Hey all, I'm just starting Network+ for my Network Engineering class, and it's explaining the OSI Model.

My understanding of it thus far is that the OSI Model is a layer-based model that explains how computers communicate with eachother. Keep in mind that It's a theoretical representation or explanation of the process that data goes through as it moves from one node on the network to another. It's not a physical thing.

The 7 layers are, from the 7th layer down:

7. Application - Facilitates communication between software applications and the lower layers.

6. Presentation - Accepts data from Application Layer and formats it so that one type of application and host can understand data from another type of application and host. (...wat?)

5. Session - The layer responsible for coordinating and maintaining communications between two nodes.

4. Transport - Accepts data from the Session layer and manages the end-to-end delivery of data, meaning they can ensure they data is transferred from point A to point B reliably, in the correct sequence, without erros.

3. Network - Translates network addresses into their physical counterparts and decides how to route data from the sender to receiver.

2. Data Link - Divides data it receives from the Network layer into distinct "frames" that can then be transmitted by the Physical layer.

1. Physical - Accepts frames from the Data Link layer, and generates signals as changes in voltage at the Network Interface Card.


I've finished all the reading material and simulation material, but some of this stuff just doesn't seem to want to stick in my head. Anyone have any tips or suggestions for this?

udgnim
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States8024 Posts
June 13 2011 19:07 GMT
#2
I've finished all the reading material and simulation material, but some of this stuff just doesn't seem to want to stick in my head. Anyone have any tips or suggestions for this?


find practice questions. OSI model isn't that hard to remember especially after going through a decent number of practice questions.
E-Sports is competitive video gaming with a spectator fan base. Do not take the word "Sports" literally.
Recksaw
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States23 Posts
June 13 2011 19:08 GMT
#3
All People Seem To Need Data Processing
HackBenjamin
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Canada1094 Posts
June 13 2011 19:18 GMT
#4
or

Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away :D


Mostly I think I'm struggling with associating functions to layers, i.e.
Which layer is associated with sharing remote printers?
Determines which node transmits at any point in time?

I think my biggest problem right now is differentiating which layers do what in a practical application. I'm trying to find more literature on it as we speak, but if anyone has a good site I can check out, let me know!
Shaoling
Profile Blog Joined October 2009
Sweden344 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-06-13 19:39:39
June 13 2011 19:34 GMT
#5
I think youre like over thinking it.

the tcp model, which is related is like:

layer 1 ones and zeroes
layer 2 makes it readable for network interfaces
layer 3 makes it readable for routers n shit
layer 4 stuff for applications.

so to take like the "Sharing remote printers" example it has to first tell the network its there right? so first the application which the printers uses makes content for the application that a computer uses. thats the top layer. layer 4. then it gets sent down to layer 3 where it becomes several packets, where it says if its a udp or tcp packet. etc. then it goes down to layer 2 where it becomes "frames", frames have a specific construction method so that the receiving network interface/device/whatever can assemble it again. and the frame gets sent out the interface where its just ones and zeroes.

then at the other end the ones and zeroes get received, gets assembled into frames where its put together into packets and then gets opened up into application data with tells the computer application shit the printer application wants it to know.

And thats basicly it, the osimodell does the same thing only in more detail but its not used in real life situations.

So, you dont differentiate layers, and use one layer for this and one for that. All of them are always used when sending anything between for example two network devices.

And the way i got good was just reading it over and over untill i understood, and hands on labs that were given at my school. But you cant really do that on your own
www.feelingcontemptuous.com - My music website [Dubstep/Electro/House]
a176
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
Canada6688 Posts
June 13 2011 19:44 GMT
#6
just visualize two computers communicating, ie you visiting a website, and just follow the osi layer down all the way from your browser (application layer), to when the packets leave your network card (physical layer)

the presentation layer deals with translating the data if needed, ie from two different machine systems or if there's encryption;

the rest of the layers deal with network protocols for communication establishment and transfer of data; the rest of the course will teach your about these protocols. (if you are taking a hardware course, you probably wont learn too much about them and just focus on the physical to network layers)
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