Chapter -2 Network Models
Computer network models are responsible for establishing a connection among
the sender and receiver and transmitting the data in a smooth manner
respectively.
Types of Connections
A network is two or more devices connected through links.
A link is a communications pathway that transfers data from one device to another.
There are two possible types of connections:
1. Point-to-point and
2. Multi-point.
1. Point-to-point
Point-to-Point A point-to-point connection provides a dedicated link between two
devices. The entire capacity of the link is reserved for transmission between those
two devices.
Most point-to-point connections use an actual length of wire or cable to connect the
two ends, but other options, such as microwave or satellite links, are also possible.
When you change television channels by infrared remote control, you are establishing
a point-to-point connection between the remote control and the television's control
system.
2. Multi-point.
Multipoint A multipoint (also called multi-drop) connection is one in which more
than two specific devices share a single link In a multipoint environment, the capacity
of the channel is shared, either spatially or temporally.
If several devices can use the link simultaneously, it is a spatially shared connection.
If users must take turns, it is a timeshared connection.
OSI Model
OSI stands for Open Systems Interconnection. It has 7 layers Physical layer, Data
Link layer, Network layer, Transport layer, Session layer, Presentation layer,
and Application layer.
Each layer performs its task independently.
It was developed in 1984 by the International Organization for Standardization
(ISO).
Was created as a framework and reference model to explain how different
networking technologies work together and interact
It is not a standard that networking protocols must follow
Each layer has specific functions it is responsible for
All layers work together in the correct order to move data around a network
OSI MODEL DIAGRAMS
1. Physical Layer
2. Datalink layer
3. Network layer
4. Transport layer
5. Session layer
6. Presentation layer
7. Application layer
The advantages of the OSI model are
It is a generic model and acts as a guidance tool to develop any network model.
It is a layered model. Changes are one layer do not affect other layers, provided
that the interfaces between the layers do not change drastically.
It distinctly separates services, interfaces, and protocols. Hence, it is flexible in
nature. Protocols in each layer can be replaced very conveniently depending
upon the nature of the network.
It supports both connection-oriented services and connectionless services.
The Disadvantages of the OSI model are
It is purely a theoretical model that does not consider the availability of
appropriate technology. This restricts its practical implementation.
The launching timing of this model was inappropriate. When OSI appeared, the
TCP/IP protocols were already implemented. So, the companies were initially
reluctant to use it.
The OSI model is very complex. The initial implementation was cumbersome,
slow and costly.
Though there are many layers, some of the layers like the session layer and
presentation layer have very little functionality when practically deployed.
There is a duplication of services in various layers. Services like addressing,
flow control and error control are offered by multiple layers.
The standards of OSI model are theoretical and do not offer adequate solutions
for practical network implementation.
TCP/IP Model (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
–A protocol suite is a large number of related protocols that work together to allow
networked computers to communicate.
Fig : Relationship of layers and addresses in TCP/IP
1. Application Layer
Application layer protocols define the rules when implementing specific network
applications.
Rely on the underlying layers to provide accurate and efficient data delivery
Typical protocols:
FTP – File Transfer Protocol
For file transfer
FTP – File Transfer Protocol
For file transfer
Telnet – Remote terminal protocol
For remote login on any other computer on the network
SMTP – Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
For mail transfer
HTTP – Hypertext Transfer Protocol
For Web browsing
Encompasses same functions as these OSI Model layers Application
Presentation Session .
2. Transport Layer
TCP &UDP
TCP is a connection-oriented protocol
Does not mean it has a physical connection between sender and receiver
TCP provides the function to allow a connection virtually exists – also called
virtual circuit
UDP provides the functions:
Dividing a chunk of data into segments.
Reassembly segments into the original chunk.
Provide further the functions such as reordering and data resend.
Offering a reliable byte-stream delivery service.
Functions the same as the Transport layer in OSI.
Synchronize source and destination computers to set up the session between
the respective computers.
3. Internet Layer
The network layer, also called the internet layer, deals with packets and
connects independent networks to transport the packets across network
boundaries.
The network layer protocols are the IP and the Internet Control Message Protocol
(ICMP), which is used for error reporting.
4. Host-to-network layer
The Host-to-network layer is the lowest layer of the TCP/IP reference model.
It combines the link layer and the physical layer of the ISO/OSI model.
At this layer, data is transferred between adjacent network nodes in a WAN or
between nodes on the same LAN.
Advantages of tcp/ip model
It is an industry–standard model that can be effectively deployed in practical
networking problems.
It is interoperable, i.e., it allows cross-platform communications among
heterogeneous networks.
It is an open protocol suite. It is not owned by any particular institute and so
can be used by any individual or organization.
It is a scalable, client-server architecture. This allows networks to be added
without disrupting the current services.
It assigns an IP address to each computer on the network, thus making each
device to be identifiable over the network. It assigns each site a domain name.
It provides name and address resolution services.
Disadvantages of tcp/ip model
It is not generic in nature. So, it fails to represent any protocol stack other than
the TCP/IP suite. For example, it cannot describe the Bluetooth connection.
It does not clearly separate the concepts of services, interfaces, and protocols.
So, it is not suitable to describe new technologies in new networks.
It does not distinguish between the data link and the physical layers, which has
very different functionalities. The data link layer should concern with the
transmission of frames. On the other hand, the physical layer should lay down
the physical characteristics of transmission. A proper model should segregate
the two layers.
It was originally designed and implemented for wide area networks. It is not
optimized for small networks like LAN (local area network) and PAN
(personal area network).
Among its suite of protocols, TCP and IP were carefully designed and well
implemented.
Difference between OSI Model and TCP/IP Model
