The OSI Model

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  • OSI -- Securing the stack

    Secure your network with our OSI model reference that links to all the tips in our "OSI -- securing the stack" series by security expert and author Michael Gregg. The series is based on his book, "Hack the Stack."  Tip series

  • Extending OSI to Network Security -- Chapter 1 of 'Hack the Stack'

    Extending OSI to Network Security covers topics such as common stack attacks, mapping the OSI model to the TCP/IP model, and talks about the current state of IT security. The goal of this chapter is to take the well-known Open Systems Interconnect (...  Chapter Download

  • OSI model: Crash Course

    The OSI model is the conceptual backbone of most enterprise networks, but do you remember all the details? Read our rundown of the OSI model and what all those layers do.  Crash Course

  • FastFacts on the OSI model

    These resources will help you better understand the OSI model and all those layers in a snap.  Networking FastFacts

  • Understanding Layer 2, 3, and 4 protocols

    This chapter excerpt explains the layers of the OSI model, switching, TCP, UDP, and VRRP.  Reprint

  • data link layer

    The Data-Link Layer is the protocol layer in a program that handles the moving of data in and out across a physical link in a network.  Definition

  • CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data)

    CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) is a specification for supporting wireless access to the Internet and other public packet-switched networks.  Definition

  • Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)

    Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is an extension of the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) used by an Internet service provider (ISP) to enable the operation of a virtual private network (VPN) over the Internet.  Definition

  • presentation layer

    In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the presentation layer ensures that the communications passing through are in the appropriate form for the recipient.  Definition

  • Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP)

    Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP) is a network management protocol built on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communication model.  Definition

  • Technical Office Protocol (TOP)

    Technical Office Protocol (TOP), also called Technical and Office Protocol, is a set of protocols intended for networks that perform distributed information processing in business offices... (Continued)  Definition

  • TP0-TP4 (transport protocols 0 to 4)

    TP0-TP4 (transport protocols 0 to 4) are the five protocols in the Transport layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model for telecommunication.  Definition

  • physical layer

    In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the physical layer supports the electrical or mechanical interface to the physical medium.  Definition

  • layer 2

    Layer 2 refers to the Data Link layer of the commonly-referenced multilayered communication model, Open Systems Interconnection (OSI).  Definition

  • Network layer

    In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the Network layer knows the address of the neighboring nodes in the network, packages output with the correct network address information, selects routes and quality of service, and reco...  Definition

  • See more Definitions on The OSI Model
About The OSI Model

The OSI model is the conceptual backbone of all networks. These resources will help you understand the OSI model: all seven layers (physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application) and what they do.

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