Network architecture is structured with layers and protocols. Each layer in the architecture has its own role, while its main purpose is to offer a certain service to the higher layer and communicate with the adjoining layers. However, a protocol is a collection of rules and conventions that are used by all the communicating parties to standardize the communication process. For instance, when the layer n in a device communicates with another layer n in another device, for the communication to take place, they have to use the same protocol.

There are two popular network architectures that are used nowadays: the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and TCP/IP reference models. We will dig deeper to understand each reference model with its advantages and disadvantages so that we can decide which model should be used in our network application.