Network fundamentals

Question 1: Functions of the 7-layer OSI model

The model of Open Systems Interconnection functions with its seven layers in forming a networking framework. The entire model serves the purpose of a teaching tool, while each of the seven layers is having various functions (Suresh, 2016).

Physical layer: Acts as the physical medium for the transmission of bits.

Datalink layer: Functions for transferring data frames that are free from errors.

Network layer: Functions for transferring packets from their origin area to the functioning area.

Transport layer: Delivery of messages from one process to another.

Session layer: Functions for establishing, managing, and terminating sessions.

Presentation layer: Functions for translating, encrypting, and compressing.

Application layer: Responsible for providing services to users.

Question 2: Coexistence of IP and TCP protocols

IP and TCP protocols coexist in the process of data communication so that a connection can be maintained between the senders of a message to its target. Moreover, the coexistence also helps in ensuring packet orders. This is because TCP functions in breaking the received message from the user into small packets and IP is responsible for delivering these packets to the destination site (Pokhrel et al. 2018). Again, in the destination site, TCP assembles the small packets into data that can be used by the user in the destination site. Hence, both these protocols are required in data communication for establishing effective communication between users.

Question 3: Comparison between Client-Server and P2P

The difference between client-server and P2P is based on their functions. Client-server is focused on sharing information, where the management process of data is done in a centralized way (Todescato et al. 2017). Moreover, this enables function for a specific server along with the users that are connected with the server. For instance, web servers or email servers can provide resources to the client source, such as laptops, desktop, and others.

P2P is, on the other side, based on connectivity and information sharing with each peer having an individual data set (Todescato et al. 2017). Moreover, in this case, servers and clients are not distinguished; rather, each node can function in both forms. For instance, a printer used in one PC can be used by any other PC working on the same network.

Question 4: Difference between TCP/IP and OSI models

The key difference between the OSI and TCP/IP protocol is that the former is a theoretical model, and the latter is a client-server model (Mehdizadeh et al. 2018). OSI provides basic guidelines regarding the execution of the communication process, while TCP/IP is based on the standards required for the development of the internet.

Both the protocols are required as OSI is a conceptual one describing the network communication process that can be established with different systems. On the other side, TCP/IP determines the ways of connecting specific systems to the internet.

The concepts of both the protocols make TCP/IP protocol, the more practical one to be used between the two.

Reference List

Mehdizadeh, A., Nagarajan, M., Harun, H., & Mohammadpoor, M. (2018). Congestion Window Scaling Method to Optimize Delay in TCP/IP. Wireless Personal Communications, 101(4), 2227-2239.

Pokhrel, S. R., Panda, M., & Vu, H. L. (2018). Fair coexistence of regular and multipath TCP over wireless last-miles. IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, 18(3), 574-587.

Suresh, P. (2016). Survey on the seven-layered architecture of the OSI model. International Journal of research in computer applications and robotics, 4(8), 1.

Todescato, M., Carron, A., Carli, R., Pillonetto, G., & Schenato, L. (2017). Multi-robots Gaussian estimation and coverage control: From client-server to peer-to-peer architectures. Automatica, 80, 284-294.