Which Model Is Better, OSI or TCP - IP

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 5

3/8/2021 Which model is better, OSI or TCP/IP?

AfterAcademy

Admin AfterAcademy
11 Feb 2020

Which model is better, OSI or TCP/IP?

https://afteracademy.com/blog/which-model-is-better-osi-or-tcpip 1/12
3/8/2021 Which model is better, OSI or TCP/IP?

Whenever we implement a network and try to connect and communicate


different devices over the network. We use either the OSI or the TCP/IP
reference model. But a question always arises in our mind, that which
model is better for specification, implementation, connection,
communication, etc.

It has rightly been said that each coin has two faces. Likewise, we can not
say that one model is the best and the other is the worst. Both of them have
some advantages and disadvantages as well. One model can work fine for
one case and worst for the other. So in this blog, we'll take some major
points which are essential in a network connection and communication,
and then evaluate which model is better for which case.

First, we will see the various similarities between the OSI and TCP/IP
models. The similarities between them are as follows:

1. Reference Model: Both the OSI as well as the TCP/IP are reference
models. This means that we can take a reference or help from the
specification of these two models during implementing the network.

2. Layered Architecture: Both the OSI and TCP/IP model have a layered
architecture. Each layer provides different functionalities in the
network. The OSI model has generally 7 layers, while the TCP/IP has 5
layers.

3. Protocols: Both the OSI as well as the TCP/IP model makes use of
different protocols in different layers for the proper implementation of
the model over the network.

4. Functionalities: The layers of the OSI and the TCP/IP model provides
approximately the same functionality. The Application layer of the
TCP/IP model acts as the upper three layers(Application, Presentation,
and Session layer) of the OSI model, while the Internet layer in the

https://afteracademy.com/blog/which-model-is-better-osi-or-tcpip 2/12
3/8/2021 Which model is better, OSI or TCP/IP?

TCP/IP model acts as the Network layer of the OSI model. Rest of the
layers in both the models works the same.

Now, we will see which model is better in which case, and we'll also see the
dissimilarities between the models.

Following are the dissimilarities between the OSI and the TCP/IP model:

1. Evolution: The OSI model evolved as a logical and conceptual model.


It was documented first and the functionalities of each layer are
specified. Afterwards, the protocols for each layer are identified. On
the other hand, the TCP/IP model is implemented first with the
specified protocols and then it is documented. Hence, the OSI model
evolved as a theoretical model, while the TCP/IP as a practical model.
So, if someone just needs the theoretical aspects of the model, they
should go with the OSI model. But if someone wants to practically
implement the model, they should go with the TCP/IP model.

2. Objective: The objective of the OSI model is to come up with a generic


standard model for specifying the connection procedures, layered
architecture, services, interfaces, and protocols. On the other hand, the
TCP/IP model aims to provide a reliable and end-to-end transmission
model. So, if someone needs a generic and standard model, they should
go for the OSI model. But if someone needs reliability and security over
the network, they should go for the TCP/IP model.

3. Area Focused: The OSI model is a generic model, and hence universal
in nature. It can be used accordingly in different types of networks as
per the specifications. On the other hand, the TCP/IP model is
dependent on protocols and is compatible with the current Internet
architecture. Thus, the TCP/IP model is able to solve only a specific set
of problems. So, if someone needs a universal model that can be
applied to different networks, they should choose the OSI model. But if

https://afteracademy.com/blog/which-model-is-better-osi-or-tcpip 3/12
3/8/2021 Which model is better, OSI or TCP/IP?

they have to perform some network functionalities on the Internet,


they should choose the TCP/IP reference model.

4. Documentation: The OSI model is documented properly. The three


major concepts, i.e., services, interfaces, and protocols are clearly
specified in this model. On the other hand, the TCP/IP model is not
properly documented. The specifications and functionalities of each
layer are not so clear in the TC/IP model. So, if someone needs proper
documentation and guidance during implementing the network, they
should refer to the OSI model.

5. Set-up and Configuration: The OSI model is easy and standardized to


set-up and configure, as it is a generic model. On the other hand, the
TCP/IP model is complex to set-up and configure, as it is compatible
with only specific domains of networks. So, the OSI model is better if
we consider the network set-up and configuration functionality.

6. Modularity: Both models are modular in nature. But the OSI model
has more layers(7) as compared to the TCP/IP model(5 layers). Hence,
the OSI model is more modular then the TCP/IP model, and the
functionalities of each module are clearly specified in the OSI model.
So, if someone is focusing on a more modular network with proper
functionalities, they should go for the TCP/IP model.

7. Replacing Protocols: The OSI model is a protocol-independent


model. We can implement our own protocols as per our needs. On the
other hand, the TCP/IP model is protocol dependent. It defines a
specific set of protocols for implementing the model. It is very complex
to make any changes or replace some protocols in the TCP/IP model.
So, if someone just needs the specified set of protocols, they should go
with the TCP/IP model, else the OSI model is better for implementing
our own protocols.

8. Data Delivery: Data delivery is the functionality of the Transport layer


in both models. In the OSI model, the transport layer facilitates the
connection-oriented transfer and hence it guarantees the delivery of
https://afteracademy.com/blog/which-model-is-better-osi-or-tcpip 4/12
3/8/2021 Which model is better, OSI or TCP/IP?

packets. On the other hand, in the TCP/IP model, the transport layer
facilitates both connection-oriented as well as connectionless transfer,
and hence it does not guarantees the delivery of data packets. So, we
can use the OSI model if we want to guarantee the proper data delivery
over the network.

9. Reliable and Secure Connection: The OSI model does not have any
special mechanism for providing a reliable and secure connection for
data transmission. On the other hand, the TCP/IP model has a 3-way
handshake mechanism for providing a reliable and secure connection
link oner the network. So, we can opt for the TCP/IP model is we want a
reliable and secure network connection.

Thus, we can conclude that both models have their own advantages and
disadvantages. If someone is focusing on the proper documentation,
specification, and modularization, they should prefer the OSI model over
the TCP/IP model. But if someone is focusing more on the implementation,
reliability, and security of the network, they should prefer the TCP/IP
model over the OSI model.

NEW

Android App Development


Online Course by MindOrks

https://afteracademy.com/blog/which-model-is-better-osi-or-tcpip 5/12

You might also like