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Quest Journals
Journal of Software Engineering and Simulation
Volume 7 ~ Issue 6 (2021) pp: 08-14
ISSN(Online) :2321-3795 ISSN (Print):2321-3809
www.questjournals.org
*Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani8 | Page
Research Paper
Comparative Analysis of OSI and TCP/IP Models in Network
Communication
Engr.Dr.C.O Ezeagwu1, Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani2, Cyprain .Tochukwu
Onyia3, Ekene. E Alagbu4
1, 2, 3, 4(Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State,
Nigeria)
Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani
ABSTRACT:The idea of OSI and TCP/IP reference models emphasizes the connection and connection-
connectionless compatibility respectivelyof network communication between the sender and the receiver in
error detection, retransmission and error recovery as well as encapsulation and de- capsulation of data.The
OSI Model handles the error detection while the TCP/IP models handle packet delivery and error recovery of
the network interface. The two models developed a set of protocols for packet delivery and interconnection of
networks either through connected or internet-wise. OSI and TCP/IP models was developed to handle efficient
packet delivery in network routing and addressing thereby preventing network traffic and congestion.
KEYWORDS: OSI Model, TCP/IP Model, Networking, Sender, Receiver, Encapsulation and De-capsulation
Received 29 June, 2021; Revised: 11 July, 2021; Accepted 13 July, 2021 © The author(s) 2021.
Published with open access at www.questjournals.org
I. INTRODUCTION
The TCP/IP and OSI are network reference models. The process of developing both models began in
the early 1970s and ended in the late 1970s. Both models were published in the early 1980s. Manufacturers
manufactured devices to support one model or both models in the 1990s. As at late 1990s, the TCP/IP model
became a common option and the OSI model was refuted due to a slower formal standardization process than
the TCP/IP model. Trending manufacturers abandoned their proprietary networking model in favour of the
TCP/IP model in the 2000s. Currently, only the TCP/IP model is used. Almost all modern computer networks
are built using the TCP/IP model. All modern networking devices support the TCP/IP model.
The preference for fewer layers and use of different protocols to handle data transmission is a bane to the
continued existence of the original OSI model. Cognizant of this, TCP/IP model is more widely used, so
networking tech advancements evolve with it. This means that it is more practical to develop systems with the
TCP/IP model in mind instead of trying to reinvent OSI to tap on its advantages [6].
A network is a connection with a large number of devices. These devices are different from one to
another. That can create compatibility issues. To avoid that, all devices in the network use the standard network
model for data communication. One major network model is TCP/IP model. These models consist of a number
of layers. The data which should be sent to a new location should go through each layer. When reaching each
layer, the information is added to the data. It is called encapsulation. When the data reaches the destination, in
each layer the added information is unpacked. That process is known as de-capsulation. The difference between
encapsulation and de-capsulation is that, in encapsulation, the data is moving from upper layer to the lower
layer, and each layer includes a bundle of information called a header along with the actual data while in de-
capsulation, the data is moving from the lower layer to the upper layers, and each layer unpacks the
corresponding headers to obtain the actual data.
II OSI Model and TCP/IP Model
The OSI Model is a logical and conceptual model that defines network communication used by systems
open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The Open System Interconnection (OSI Model)
also defines a logical network and effectively describes computer packet transfer by using various layers of
protocols [1].
Comparative Analysis of OSI and TCP/IP Models in Network Communication
*Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani9 | Page
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.
TCP/IP helps you to determine how a specific computer should be connected to the internet and how you can
transmit data between them [3]. It helps you to create a virtual network when multiple computer networks are
connected together.
TCP/IP is about end-to-end data communication, providing the specifics on how data should be transmitted,
addressed, packetized, routed, and ultimately received. It involves four layers, namely the application, transport,
internet, and link layers. Its technical standards were developed and are maintained by the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF) [6].
Figure 1:OSI and TCP/IP MODELS Architecturewith their Layers
Both OSI and TCP/IP reference models are based on the concept of a stack of protocols. The functionality of the
layers is almost similar. In both models, the layers are there to provide an end-to-end network- independent
transport service to processes wishing to communicate with each other [2].
2.1 Similarities between TCP/IP and OSI Models
Both are logical models.
Both define standards for networking.
Both provide a framework for creating and implementing networking standards and devices.
Both divide the network communication process into layers.
In both models, a single layer defines a particular functionality and sets standards for that functionality
only.
OSI
MODEL
TCP/IP
MODEL
Physica
l
Data
Link
Networ
k
Transport
Session
Present
ation
Applica
tion
Application
Transport
Internet
Network
Interface
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4
3
2
1
Comparative Analysis of OSI and TCP/IP Models in Network Communication
*Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani10 | Page
Both models allow a manufacturer to make devices and network components that can coexist and work with
the devices and components made by other manufacturers.
Both models simplify the troubleshooting process by dividing complex functions into simpler components.
Instead of defining the already defined standards and protocols, both models referenced them. For example,
the Ethernet standards were already defined by IEEE before the creation of these models. So instead of
defining them again both models used them as IEEE Ethernet standards.
2.2 Overview of Their Differences
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. The OSI
model provides reliability while TCP/IP deals reliability as an end-to-end problem. Each layer of OSI
architecture detects and handles error whereas in TCP/IP, transport layer handles all error detection and
recovery [1], [4].
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 computer. The full highlights of the network models are
shown in table 1-6 below.
Table 2:CHARACTERISTICS OF OSI MODEL AND TCP/IP MODEL
OSI Model Characteristics
TCP/IP Model Characteristics
A layer should only be created where the definite levels of
abstraction are needed.
Support for a flexible architecture
The function of each layer should be selected as per the
internationally standardized protocols.
Adding more systems to a network is easy.
The number of layers should be large so that separate functions
should not be put in the same layer. At the same time, it should be
small enough so that architecture doesn't become very complicated.
In TCP/IP, the network remains intact until the
source and destination machines were
functioning properly.
Table 1: OSI LAYERS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
S/N
OSI
LAYERS
EXAMPLES
FUNCTIONS
1.
Physical
cable, RJ45
It connects the entity to the transmission media
through which bits are sent; error-free delivery of
data on a hop
2.
Data Link
Media Access Control (MAC), switches
It provides error control (and retransmission in the
event of an error) over a single transmission link; it is
responsible for getting the data packaged and onto the
network cable) and synchronization for the physical
layer.
3.
Network
IP, routers
It handles routing of the data and the movement of
packets from the sender to the receiver
4.
Transport
TCP and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), port
numbers
It provides end to end communication control and
error checking as well as packet delivery
5.
Session
Syn/Ack
It is used to establish, manage and terminate the
sessions.
6.
Presentation
encryption, ASCII, PNG, MIDI
It is responsible for translation, compressions and
encryption
7.
Application
Protocols: The Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(HTTP), the File Transfer Protocol (FTP),The
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Telnet,
The Domain Name System (DNS), The Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP);
interfaces: Windows Sockets and NetBIOS.
This layer provides the services to the user
Comparative Analysis of OSI and TCP/IP Models in Network Communication
*Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani11 | Page
In the OSI model, each layer relies on the next lower layer to perform
primitive functions. Every level should able to provide services to the
next higher layer.
TCP is a connection-oriented protocol.
Changes made in one layer should not need changes in other layers.
TCP offers reliability and ensures that data
which arrives out of sequence should put back
into order.
TCP allows you to implement flow control, so
the sender never overpowers a receiver with
data.
Table 3:COMPARISON BETWEEN OSI MODEL AND TCP/IP MODEL
OSI Model
TCP/IP Model
It is developed by ISO (International Standard Organization)
It is developed by ARPANET (Advanced Research
Project Agency Network).
OSI model provides a clear distinction between interfaces, services, and
protocols.
TCP/IP doesn't have any clear distinguishing points
between services, interfaces, and protocols.
OSI refers to Open Systems Interconnection.
TCP refers to Transmission Control Protocol.
OSI uses the network layer to define routing standards and protocols.
TCP/IP uses only the Internet layer.
OSI follows a vertical approach.
TCP/IP follows a horizontal approach.
OSI layers have seven layers.
TCP/IP has four layers.
In the OSI model, the transport layer is only connection-oriented.
A layer of the TCP/IP model is both connection-
oriented and connectionless.
In the OSI model, the data link layer and physical are separate layers.
In TCP, physical and data link are both combined as a
single host-to-network layer.
Session and presentation layers are a part of the OSI model.
There is no session and presentation layer in the TCP
model.
It is defined after the advent of the Internet.
It is defined before the advent of the internet.
The minimum size of the OSI header is 5 bytes.
The minimum header size is 20 bytes.
OSI is less reliable
TCP/IP is more reliable
Table 4:BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF OSI MODEL
OSI MODEL
Benefits
Drawbacks
Helps standardize router, switch, motherboard, and
other hardware.
Reduces complexity and standardizes interfaces
Facilitates modular engineering
Ensures interoperable technology
Accelerates the evolution
Protocols can be replaced by new protocols when
technology changes.
Provide support for connection-oriented services as
well as connectionless service.
It is a standard model in computer networking.
Supports connectionless and connection-oriented
services.
It offers flexibility to adapt to various types of
protocols.
Fitting of protocols is a tedious task.
Can only be used as a reference model.
It doesn't define any specific protocol.
In the OSI network layer model, some services are
duplicated in many layers such as the transport and
data link layers
Layers can't work in parallel as each layer need to
wait to obtain data from the previous layer.
Table 5:BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF TCP/IP MODEL
TCP/IP MODEL
Benefits
Drawbacks
Establishes/sets up a connection between different
types of computers.
It operates independently of the operating system.
It supports many routing-protocols.
It enables the internetworking between the
organizations.
TCP/IP model has a highly scalable client-server
architecture.
It can be operated independently.
Supports several routing protocols.
It can be used to establish a connection between two
TCP/IP is a complicated model to set up and manage.
The shallow/overhead of TCP/IP is higher-than IPX
(Internetwork Packet Exchange).
In this, model the transport layer does not guarantee
delivery of packets.
Replacing protocol in TCP/IP is not easy.
It has no clear separation from its services, interfaces,
and protocols.
You can't use for broadcast or multicast transmission.
Comparative Analysis of OSI and TCP/IP Models in Network Communication
*Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani12 | Page
computers.
2.3 Attributes of TCP
Delivery Acknowledgements
Re -transmission
Delays transmission when the network is congested
Easy Error detection
Table 6: OSI SPECIFIC PROTOCOLS PROFILE CLASSES
OSI LAYER
PROFILES
CLASS A
CLASS B
CLASS C
CLASS E
APPLICATION
STMF
STMF
Telnet
FTP
SNMP
Telnet
FTP
SNMP
PRESENTATION
NULL
NULL
NULL
NULL
SESSION
NULL
NULL
NULL
NULL
TRANSPORT
UDP
NULL
TCP
TCP
NETWORK
IP
NULL
IP
DATA LINK
PMPP
PMPP
PMPP
PPP
PHYSICAL
EIA 232E FSK
EIA 232E FSK
EIA 232E FSK
EIA 232E FSK
STMF = Simple Transportation Management Framework. IP = Internet Protocol SNMP = Simple Network
Management Protocol .PPP = Point-to-Point Protocol FTP = File Transfer Protocol. PMPP = Point-to-
Multipoint Protocol. UDP = User Datagram Protocol EIA 232E = standard modem interface. TCP =
Transmission Control Protocol FSK = Frequency shift keying
2.4 ENCAPSULATION AND DE-CAPSULATION OF OSI AND TCP/IP MODEL
Data Encapsulation is the process in which some extra information is added to the data item to add
some features to it. We use either the OSI or the TCP/IP model in our network, and the data transmission takes
place through various layers in these models. Data encapsulation adds the protocol information to the data so
that data transmission can take place in a proper way. This information can either be added in the header or the
footer of the data.
Data De-encapsulation is the reverse process of data encapsulation. The encapsulated information is
removed from the received data to obtain the original data. This process takes place at the receiver’s end. The
data is de-encapsulated at the same layer at the receiver’s end to the encapsulated layer at the sender’s end. The
added header and trailer information are removed from the data in this process [8].
As data is transferred from upper layer to lower level of TCP/IP protocol stack (outgoing transmission) each
layer includes a bundle of relevant information called a header along with the actual data. The data package
containing the header and the data from the upper layer then becomes the data that is repackaged at the next
lower level with lower layer's header. Header is the supplemental data placed at the beginning of a block of data
when it is sent. This supplemental data is used at the receiving side to extract the data from the encapsulated
data packet. This packing of data at each layer is known as data encapsulation as seen in Figure 2 below. The
reverse process of encapsulation (or de-capsulation) occurs when data is received on the destination computer.
As the data moves up from the lower layer to the upper layer of TCP/IP protocol stack (incoming transmission),
each layer unpacks the corresponding header and uses the information contained in the header to deliver the
packet to the exact network application waiting for the data [7].
Comparative Analysis of OSI and TCP/IP Models in Network Communication
*Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani13 | Page
Figure 2: ENCAPSULATION AND DE-CAPSULATION OF OSI AND TCP/IP MODEL
III. CONCLUSION
This paper presented the ideal differences between the OSI and TCP/IP models in their areas of the
number of layers, header sizes and their connection interface. More so, the OSI model encapsulates at the
sender’s side from upper layer(Application layer) to lower layer(Physical layer) while the TCP/IP model de-
capsulates at the receiver’s side from lower layer(network interface/link) to the upper layer(Application layer).
The trending model used due to their availability and low-cost is the TCP/IP model because of the featured
connection and connectionless interface in routing and addressing support in their network interface.
OSI MODEL
TCP/IP MODEL
OSI MODEL
TCP/IP
MODEL
Application
Presentation
Session
Transport
Data-link
Physical
Application
Transport
Internet
Bits
Frames
Packet
s
Segment
s
Data
ENCAPSULATION
Physical
Data-link
Transport
Session
Presentation
Application
Internet
Transport
Application
DE-CAPSULATION
Header
Footer
Data
Header
Data
Footer
SENDER
RECEIVER
Network
Network
Network
Interface
Network
Interface
Comparative Analysis of OSI and TCP/IP Models in Network Communication
*Corresponding Author:Kelvin .Ndubuisi Nnamani14 | Page
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