What is the difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model?

The major Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model is that OSI uses a vertical approach, whereas TCP/IP uses a horizontal approach. This approach makes OSI a better model than TCP/IP for making other models. OSI is a conceptual framework, whereas TCP/IP is a collection of communication protocols. The OSI model has seven layers, each with its own functions, whereas the TCP/IP model has four.

What is a TCP/IP Reference Model?

The TCP/IP reference model is also a reference model which stands for Transmission Control Protocol /Internet Protocol. It is used for the reference model to connect to the internet to transfer the data. This reference model has only 5 layers: Application, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Network Interface.

What is the similarity between TCP IP and OSI Model?

There are a few similarities between TCP IP and OSI models. The Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol and OSI models have a few common layers . Layers of TCP {Application, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Network Interface. The OSI model carries the following layers: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Physical.

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Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model – OSI vs TCP/IP

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

The difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model is that OSI is used to provide quality service, whereas TCP/IP does not provide quality service. Establishing a connection between the sender and receiver and smooth data transmission is made easier with computer network models.

Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model PDF

The OSI and TCP/IP (Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) Models are the most widely used computer network models. TCP/IP is the communication protocol suite that connects network devices to the Internet, while OSI is a reference model that outlines the functions of a networking system. We’ll look at these two models in depth in this essay. We’ll review their layers and the differences between OSI and TCP/IP Model.

Table of content

1. Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model
2. OSI and TCP/IP Model
3. What is OSI Model?
4. What is TCP/IP Model?
5. Key Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model

Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model

Although there is a notable difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model, there are a few similarities, such as carrying defined standards as a layer, using a simple process to troubleshoot, etc. Let us explore the differences between these in the table provided below.

OSI vs TCP/IP

Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model
OSI	TCP/IP
Developed by ISO.	Developed by ARPANET.
It is only a reference model and no actual implementation is done on this model.	This model is used for the development of the internet.
Stands for: Open System Interconnection.	Stands for: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
The transport layer confirms the delivery of the packets.	The transport layer does not confirm the delivery of the packets.
A vertical approach followed.	A horizontal approach followed.
Presentation and Session layers are different.	Both are the same and are included under the application layer.
It can be used to build models like TCP/IP.	It cannot be used for model building.
The network layer can provide connectionless service as well along with connection service.	The network layer can only provide connectionless service.
There exist 7 layers.	There exist 5 layers.
Used very less compared to TCP/IP.	Highly used.

OSI and TCP/IP Model

The OSI model is a generic one based on the functions of each layer. TCP/IP, on the other hand, is a protocol-based model. A reference model is used for clear communication where a clearly defined and interlinked set of concepts are mentioned.

OSI and TCP/IP reference models are used for standard communication functions.

What is OSI Model?

The OSI model is a logical and conceptual model for network communication utilized by systems capable of interconnection and communication with other systems. The Open System Interconnection (OSI) Model also defines a logical network and covers computer packet transport using several levels of protocols.

OSI reference model stands for Open System Interconnection reference model.
The ISO introduced this model.
This is a reference model and hence is only being used for reference, and no real work or implementation is done on this model.
It is used to introduce and teach the concepts related to computer networking.

The Open System Interconnection reference model is a conceptual model used to define computer packet transfer with the help of multiple-layer protocols. The OSI model carries the following layers.

Application
Presentation
Session
Transport
Network
Datalink
Physical

What is TCP/IP Model?

TCP/IP is a protocol that specifies how a computer should connect to the internet and how data should be transmitted between them. When many computer networks are connected, it creates a virtual network.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) combines TCP and IP.
It was created as a model for providing a very stable, end-to-end byte stream over an unreliable internet network.

It has four layers:

Network Access
Internet
Transport
Application

Conclusion:

Key Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model

The key Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model is that the OSI Model is a conceptual framework utilizing which the functioning of a network can be defined, while TCP/IP is a communication protocols suite using which network instruments can be linked to the Internet.

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FAQs on Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model

The major Difference Between OSI and TCP/IP Model is that OSI uses a vertical approach, whereas TCP/IP uses a horizontal approach.

This approach makes OSI a better model than TCP/IP for making other models.
OSI is a conceptual framework, whereas TCP/IP is a collection of communication protocols.
The OSI model has seven layers, each with its own functions, whereas the TCP/IP model has four.

The OSI model specifies how communication should be carried out, and TCP/IP is a practical model.

The layers in the OSI are: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Physical.
The layers in the TCP/IP are: Application, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Network Interface..

The difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model is that the OSI model was developed by ISO (International Standard Organization). In contrast, TCP/IP Model was developed by ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network). TCP/IP Model is highly used, but OSI Model usage is very low.

The OSI reference model is an Open System Interconnection reference model. It is used as a reference for implementing the concepts related to computer networking. It has 7 layers to successfully execute the function: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Physical.

The TCP/IP reference model is also a reference model which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

It is used for the reference model to connect to the internet to transfer the data.
This reference model has only 5 layers: Application, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Network Interface.

There are a few similarities between TCP IP and OSI models. The Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol and OSI models have a few common layers.

Layers of TCP {Application, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Network Interface.
The OSI model carries the following layers: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Datalink, and Physical.

As per the number of layers present in both approaches, the difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model is that in OSI, there are 7 layers, whereas, in TCP/IP, there are 5 layers which were 4 earlier. If appropriate documentation, definition, and modularization are important, the OSI paradigm should be preferred over the TCP IP approach.