Open System Interconnection

Reference Model (OSI reference

model)

Prepared by:

Eric Hansen
and
Dean Juola
 OSI Learning Preparation

The following are necessary for

understanding:
● Lesson 1 & 2 completed, including the
review questions
● OSI Reference Model vocabulary
(completed!)
● paper and pencil
 OSI Reference model

The OSI Reference Model

is a “reference guide”
for understanding
network functionality.
Each of the 7 layers
(numbered from bottom
to top) represents one
step in the process of
sending data packets
from a source to a
destination.
Data Packets and
Encapsulation
The contiguous
elements of the OSI
are only able to
communicate with
each other (layer 7
can communicate with
layer 5 only by
communicating with
layer 6). As a result,
each layer adds a
protocol header which
Data Transfer

The transfer of data

packets seems simple
on the outside but a
closer look will reveal
the specific process of
moving data from
source to destination.
We will look at this by
starting with the OSI
layer closest to the
user, the Application
Application Layer
Presentation Layer
Session Layer
Transport Layer
Network Layer
Data Link Layer
Physical Layer
 Group Activity Part 1
In your assigned groups of three complete the following:
Each group will be assigned an IP address and a MAC
address. Then,
each person in each group is assigned one of the 1st
three layers of the OSI reference model (choose within
the group). The instructor will hand the incoming data
packet to the layer 1 person who checks the layer 1
information. If it is good, the encapsulated data is then
passed to the next layer. If it is bad, then the data is
placed in the “bad” pile. With each new data packet,
the student will assume a new layer (take a layer you
have not been) and continue the cycle two more times.
 Group Activity Part 2

Next, in your group encapsulate

data to send to an assigned group.
If you receive a data packet,
follow the same procedure as in
part 1.
Hint:
You have a group’s address
information but you do not know
which group it is. What do you do?