OSI Reference Model - Study Notes for PSC, SSC, and IT Exams

Welcome to the Computer Science and Technology Study Materials section from CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions, a leading mock test and competitive exam preparation platform, for students preparing for SSC, DSSSB, and Kerala PSC examinations. Today, I will explain the benefits of OSI reference model.

Aspirants of DSSSB and SSC Scientific Assistant often get confused between these two. While OSI is a Theoretical Model (7 layers), TCP/IP is the Implementation Model (4 or 5 layers). For the exam, remember that OSI was developed by ISO in 1984.

Today, you will learn about the OSI Reference Model and its seven-layer structure.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed a seven-layer model called the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model to help vendors and network experts learn how data transmits between two devices in a network.

So, you might ask why we need such a reference model. The answer is simple. We need a standard to follow while developing Network devices.

OSI Reference Model helps networking device manufacturers to implement new network standards and policies. It also helps network administrators reduce the complexity of networks and makes it easier to troubleshoot networking issues.

SSC, DSSSB, and Kerala PSC conduct examinations for various IT posts like.

Understanding the OSI model is essential for candidates appearing for the DSSSB PGT/TGT Computer Science, Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam, SSC Scientific Assistant (CS), VSSC Technical Assistant, and System Analyst posts. These networking fundamentals are core parts of the Computer Science syllabus.

Kerala PSC Degree Level examinations have a Computer Science section where students can expect questions from the OSI Reference Model. You can check the Kerala PSC Degree Level Common Prelims Syllabus under the Computer Science section. I recommend you download the syllabus using this official link.

Reference: https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf

The introduction of the OSI reference model was a revolution. Before it, device manufacturers did not have a common standard. So, there was no hope of interoperability between devices from different companies.

Now you can see how critical was the introduction of the OSI reference model.

There are seven layers in the OSI Reference Model. Each layer has a specific role in data communication. A network engineer must learn the importance and functions of each layer in detail.

Seven layers of the OSI reference model are listed below.

I explained the need for a common standard before. Let me explain it in detail. There was no common standard before the Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model.

It forced the user to stick with a single vendor for all his networking needs because devices from different vendors were incompatible. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced the seven-layer OSI architecture to overcome it.

OSI Reference Model tells how to connect and configure a network. It helps vendors to make products with universal standards.

I believe you enjoyed this tutorial. So, let me conclude with the actual benefits of the OSI Reference Model in the real world.

The benefits of the OSI Reference Model in a computer network are listed below.

1. OSI Reference Model promotes interoperability by defining the process of connecting two layers.

2. By dividing a network into layers, we split complex network activities into simple components.

3. Helps vendors to follow a modular design.

1. https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/article/osi-model-reference-chart
2. https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf
3. https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/osi-model/