TCP/IP vs OSI Model: Understanding Networking Protocols
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Introduction To TCP/IP & OSI Models
The world today is constantly connected to each other through a web of information systems. The entire world has become one big ecosystem of connections and data sharing. To do this, the collective architecture of those networks must run smoothly and efficiently.
Typically, networks of this sort are split into either client-server models or peer-to-peer models. Additionally, the way this connectivity is architected is based on two major models designing the interconnectivity, TCP/IP and OSI. In this article, we look at the differences between the two models and define their roles in today’s networks.
TCP/IP Model
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and is the de facto networking protocol in use today in the vast majority of today’s networking connections. It comprises of a suite of interconnected protocols that enable applications to communicate freely over the network.
It was developed by the US Department of Defense for the ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) program, designed initially for communications within their projects. It was later adopted for larger use cases in the 1980s in the commercial world.
OSI Model
OSI stands for Open Systems Interconnection and is an official standard that defines the technical principles of data communication and networking. It defines seven layers of abstraction to allow the communication and exchange of data between two devices, no matter the hardware or software used.
The protocol was developed by the International Organization of Standards (ISO) in 1984. Though OSI is more formally accepted than TCP/IP, it’s not as widely used because the protocols that TCP/IP uses are known for their efficiency and reliability.
Differences between TCP/IP and OSI
Structure
The TCP/IP model structure consists of four main layers, each consecutively adding more functionality to the communications. The layers are the Application Layer, Transport Layer, Internet Layer and Link Layer.
The OSI model is a bit more complex. It breaks down the communication process even more, into seven distinct layers. It consists of the Application Layer, Presentation Layer, Session Layer, Transport Layer, Network Layer, Data Link Layer, and Physical Layer.
Working Mechanism
The TCP/IP protocols use a store-and-forward technique to transfer the data from one device to another, while both the devices are responsible for the transport of the data. The OSI protocol works on a request-and-response mechanism. Here, the two devices, i.e., one sending data and other receiving data, both exchange messages.
Philosophy
The TCP/IP protocol is focused on data delivery. It helps to establish communication, transfer the data, and communicate when the transfer is successful. In contrast, the OSI protocol is focused on system-to-system communication. It’s used to ensure successful communication between two systems, by clearly defining a set of specifications and expectations that each device must meet.
Conclusion
In the end, both models have their advantages and disadvantages. The TCP/IP model is better-suited for applications that require speed and privacy, while the OSI model is better for those that require high reliability and data integrity. Ultimately, it depends on the requirements of the network being built, and which model works best for it.
Regardless of the model used, both provide necessary structure and organization for the data being transmitted and received over a network. Without them, data transmission would have been disorderly and chaotic. Ultimately, each model serves a different purpose and it is up to the user and network engineer to determine which is best suited for the task at hand.
