Overview of the OSI model
The flow and distribution of network traffic across various devices and applications are defined by a concept known as the OSI model. Published in 1984, this model provides a visual description of how network traffic flows over a particular network system
There are seven layers to the OSI model that flow from top to bottom, with layer 7 being at the top and layer 1 at the bottom. The OSI model is used as a reference point for various vendors to express which layer of network communication the product they are offering works on. This is because different hardware and software products operate at different layers.
The OSI model also assists in identifying network problems. When analyzing the source of any network issue, identifying whether only a single user is affected or whether a network segment or the entire network is down can help identify potential equipment or mediums that are experiencing the fault.
The following diagram illustrates the seven...