OSI vs. TCP/IP Reference Model

TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol. It is specifically designed as a model to offer highly reliable and end-to-end byte stream over an unreliable internetwork.

KEY DIFFERENCE

  • OSI has 7 layers whereas TCP/IP has 4 layers.
  • The OSI Model is a logical and conceptual model that defines network communication used by systems open to interconnection and communication with other systems. On the other hand, TCP/IP helps you to determine how a specific computer should be connected to the internet and how you can be transmitted between them.
  • OSI header is 5 bytes whereas TCP/IP header size is 20 bytes.
  • OSI refers to Open Systems Interconnection whereas TCP/IP refers to Transmission Control Protocol.
  • OSI follows a vertical approach whereas TCP/IP follows a horizontal approach.
  • OSI model, the transport layer, is only connection-oriented whereas the TCP/IP model is both connection-oriented and connectionless.
  • OSI model is developed by ISO (International Standard Organization), whereas TCP Model is developed by ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network).
  • OSI model helps you to standardize router, switch, motherboard, and other hardware whereas TCP/IP helps you to establish a connection between different types of computers.

Similarities between OSI and TCP / IP Reference Models

  • Both the reference models are based upon layered architecture.
  • The layers in the models are compared with each other. The physical layer and the data link layer of the OSI model correspond to the link layer of the TCP/IP model. The network layers and the transport layers are the same in both the models. The session layer, the presentation layer and the application layer of the OSI model together form the application layer of the TCP/IP model.
  • In both the models, protocols are defined in a layer-wise manner.
  • In both models, data is divided into packets and each packet may take the individual route from the source to the destination.

Differences between OSI and TCP / IP Reference Models

  • OSI model is a generic model that is based upon functionalities of each layer. TCP/IP model is a protocol-oriented standard.
  • OSI model distinguishes the three concepts, namely, services, interfaces, and protocols. TCP/IP does not have a clear distinction between these three.
  • OSI model gives guidelines on how communication needs to be done, while TCP/IP protocols layout standards on which the Internet was developed. So, TCP/IP is a more practical model.
  • In OSI, the model was developed first and then the protocols in each layer were developed. In the TCP/IP suite, the protocols were developed first and then the model was developed.
  • The OSI has seven layers while the TCP/IP has four layers.

Happy Laaaaaaaaaabbing and Learning…!!!!!