The OSI Model Example

Layer Functions Web Page Request

Application a) Acts as an interface between software applications and the network by HTTP protocol sends Web page request along with
interpreting application requests (formatting, procedures, security, etc) the version of HTTP client is using, browser version,
b) Separates application data into protocol data units and type of languages/graphics browser can accept
Presentation a) Formats the data into a coding standard (ASCII, EBCDIC, UNICODE) Converts request into UNICODE
b) Provides encoding and compression services such as GIF, JPG, MP3 Codes/decodes JPG images and MP3 sounds.
c) Provides encryption/decryption services Enables secure Internet communications through
HTTPS (HTTP over secure sockets layer)
Session a) Establishes, maintains, and terminates communications between nodes Establishes the connection between your computer
b) Determines if communications have been cut off and, if so, where to and your ISP server. If the connection fails, session
restart the transmission layer protocols will attempt to reconnect. If this fails,
c) Monitors IDs of session participants to ensure that only authorized nodes the protocol will inform your dial-up software that the
have access to the session. session has ended.
Transport a) Breaks large data units into segments (segmentation) Breaks a large html file into segments that are
b) Reassembles segments at destination node sequenced and sent over the Internet; determines the
WITH CONNECTION-ORIENTED PROTOCOLS: speed at which the data can be downloaded; uses
c) Determines the appropriate rate of transmission (flow control) acknowledgements and checksums to ensure
d) Uses acknowledgement packets to verify a connection and to ensure accurate delivery of data between the Web server and
that each data unit sent was recevied by the destination node your computer; reassembles the data packets
e) Uses a checksum to ensure that the data unit that was received by the (segments) into the correct sequence on your
destination node exactly matches the data unit that was sent by the source computer
Network a) Adds logical addressing information to the segment (now called a packet) Adds your computer's IP address to the data unit;
b) Translates logical addresses (IP) into physical addresses (MAC) At this point it becomes a data packet
c) Routes data from sender to receiver using most efficient path
Data Link a) Divides data it receives from network layer into a frame that can be Adds a data link header (which includes a MAC
transmitted by the physical layer address) and trailer information to the data packet.
a) Adds a header to the data packet that includes the MAC address of the At this point it becomes a frame
destination node. Also adds trailer data (such as error correction)
Physical a) Generates voltage to transmit electrical signals that represent information The NIC or modem will send the frame(s)
b) Detects voltage and accepts electrical signals that are passed onto the on the network cable represented by electrical
data link layer signals
c) Sets data transmission rates
d) Monitors data error rates
accurate delivery of data between the Web server and