OSI Model Flashcards
What does OSI stand for?
Open Systems Interconnection.
When and by whom was the OSI model developed?
Developed in 1977 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
What is the ISO standard for the OSI model?
ISO 7498 (not required for memorization for the exam).
Why is the OSI model important?
It provides a fundamental framework for understanding and troubleshooting computer networks.
What are some other names for the OSI model?
OSI Stack, OSI Reference Model.
How many layers does the OSI model have?
Seven layers.
What are the seven layers of the OSI model from bottom to top?
Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application.
Provide a mnemonic to remember the seven OSI layers (bottom-to-top).
“Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away.”
What are the names of the data units at each OSI layer?
Layers 5-7 (Session, Presentation, Application): Data
Layer 4 (Transport): Segment
Layer 3 (Network): Packet
Layer 2 (Data Link): Frame
Layer 1 (Physical): Bits.
Provide a mnemonic for OSI data flow types.
“Do Some People Fear Birthdays?” (Data, Segment, Packet, Frame, Bits).
What is encapsulation in the OSI model?
Wrapping data with protocol information as it moves down the layers.
What is decapsulation in the OSI model?
Removing protocol information as data moves up the layers.
Name a tool used to analyze network traffic and its relevance to the OSI model.
Wireshark: Captures and displays network traffic, demonstrating how data is structured across OSI layers.
At which layer of the OSI model does a router operate?
Layer 3 (Network).
At which layer of the OSI model does a hub operate?
Layer 1 (Physical).
What is the primary difference between the OSI model and modern networks?
Modern networks primarily follow the TCP/IP model, while the OSI model is generic and adaptable.
What is the primary function of the Physical Layer?
Transmission of bits (binary ones and zeros) across a network.
How are bits represented on copper wires?
By voltage levels:
0 volts = 0
±5 volts = 1
This is called Transition Modulation.
How are bits represented in fiber optic cables?
Light represents bits:
Light on = 1
Light off = 0.
What is the common connector used with Ethernet cables?
RJ45
Name the wiring standards for Ethernet cables.
TIA/EIA-568A
TIA/EIA-568B.
What is a straight-through cable?
A cable with the same wiring standard on both ends (B-B or A-A).
What is a crossover cable?
A cable with different wiring standards on each end (A-B or B-A).
List common physical network topologies.
Bus
Ring
Star
Hub and Spoke
Mesh (Full or Partial).
What is asynchronous communication?
Communication that uses start and stop bits to indicate the beginning and end of transmission.
What is synchronous communication?
Communication that requires a shared clock for timing.
Compare broadband and baseband bandwidth utilization.
Broadband: Divides bandwidth into multiple channels (e.g., Cable TV).
Baseband: Uses the entire bandwidth for one signal (e.g., Ethernet).
Name three multiplexing techniques used at the Physical Layer.
Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM): Allocates time slots for each session.
Statistical TDM (StatTDM): Dynamically allocates time slots based on demand.
Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM): Splits medium into multiple frequency channels.
What are some examples of Layer 1 devices?
Hubs
Access Points
Media Converters.
How do Layer 1 devices operate?
As “dumb” devices that repeat whatever signal they receive, without logic or intelligence.
What are two key communication methods at Layer 1?
Asynchronous Communication: Uses start/stop bits.
Synchronous Communication: Requires a clock for timing.
What is the difference between full and partial mesh topology?
Full Mesh: Every device is connected to every other device.
Partial Mesh: Some devices are connected, but not all.
What are media types used at the Physical Layer?
Wired: Fiber optic, Ethernet, coaxial cables.
Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC.
What is the significance of TIA/EIA-568A and B standards?
They define wiring standards for Ethernet cables.
What is the primary function of the Network Layer (Layer 3)?
Routing and forwarding traffic using logical addressing.
Name three key protocols used at the Network Layer.
IPv4, IPv6, ICMP.
Provide an example of an IPv4 address.
172.16.254.1 (dotted octet notation).
What is routing in the context of Layer 3?
Determining the best path for data to travel across networks.
How does Layer 3 handle data transmission?
It divides data into packets, which are routed individually.
Compare the three forwarding mechanisms at the Network Layer.
Packet Switching: Data is broken into packets, routed independently.
Circuit Switching: A dedicated path is established for the session.
Message Switching: Entire messages are stored and forwarded (store-and-forward method).
What is the purpose of a routing table?
To store information about available routes and their metrics (e.g., cost, speed).
What are static and dynamic routes?
Static Routes: Manually configured paths in the routing table.
Dynamic Routes: Automatically determined by routing protocols like RIP, OSPF, or EIGRP.
Name two common dynamic routing protocols.
RIP (Routing Information Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First).
What does ICMP stand for, and what is its role?
Internet Control Message Protocol, used for diagnostics and operational information.
What are two common troubleshooting tools using ICMP?
Ping: Tests connectivity and measures response time.
Traceroute: Maps the path a packet takes across a network.
What is a router’s primary function at Layer 3?
Forwarding packets between networks.
What is a multilayer switch, and how does it differ from a router?
A device that combines Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing functions.
What are flow control and packet reordering at the Network Layer?
Flow Control: Adjusts data transmission rates to prevent overwhelming the receiver.
Packet Reordering: Ensures packets arriving out of order are reordered at the destination.
Why is IPv6 significant compared to IPv4?
It provides an expanded addressing scheme for modern networks.
What is the primary function of the Transport Layer (Layer 4)?
Provides reliable or unreliable delivery of data between devices.
What are the two main protocols at Layer 4?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Connection-oriented.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Connectionless.