Difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model (Fully Explained)
What is OSI?
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model was created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to enable various communication systems to interact using standardized protocols. Simply put, the OSI provides a framework for computer systems to exchange information with each other.
What is TCP/IP Model?
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model serves as a simplified version of the OSI Model. The TCP/IP protocol suite was established prior to the OSI model. However, the layers within the TCP/IP protocol suite do not correspond exactly to those found in the OSI model.
Difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model
Below are the distinctions between the OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models.
| OSI | TCP/IP |
|---|---|
| OSI stands for Open System Interconnection. | The TCP/IP model refers to the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. |
| The OSI model is a universal, protocol-agnostic standard that serves as a gateway for interaction between the network and the end-user. | The TCP/IP model is based on established protocols that have been developed for computer networks. It functions as a connection protocol that organizes the network of hosts on the internet. |
| The OSI model was created first, leading to the development of protocols tailored to meet the needs of network architectures. | In contrast, the protocols were established first, which then led to the construction of the TCP/IP model. |
| It offers quality services. | However, it does not guarantee quality services. |
| The OSI model clearly defines administration, interfaces, and conventions, specifying which layer delivers services. | On the other hand, it does not specify the services, interfaces, or protocols. |
| The protocols within the OSI model are better kept hidden and can be replaced quickly with another suitable protocol. | Conversely, the protocols of the TCP/IP model are not concealed, making it impossible to integrate a new protocol stack into it. |
| It is more complex compared to TCP/IP. | In fact, it is simpler than the OSI model. |
| The OSI model supports both connection-oriented and connectionless transmission at the network layer, but only connection-oriented transmission at the transport layer. | The TCP/IP model allows for connectionless transmission at the network layer and supports both connection-oriented and connectionless transmission at the transport layer. |
| It adopts a vertical approach. | In comparison, it employs a horizontal approach. |
| The minimum size of the OSI header is 5 bytes. | In contrast, the minimum size of the TCP/IP header is 20 bytes. |
| Protocols are not specified in the OSI model and are modified as technology evolves. | In the TCP/IP model, modifying protocols is not a challenging task. |
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