Difference between OSI and TCP/IP Reference Model

Following are some similarities between OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model.

• Both have layered architecture.
• Layers provide similar functionalities.
• Both are protocol stack.
• Both are reference models.

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Difference between OSI and TCP/IP Reference Model

Following are some major differences between OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model, with diagrammatic comparison below.

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OSI(Open System Interconnection)	TCP/IP(Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
1. OSI is protocol independent standard.it acts as a communication gateway between the network and end user.	1. TCP/IP model is based on standard protocols. It is a communication protocol. It allows connection of hosts over a network.
2. In OSI model the transport layer guarantees the delivery of packets.	2. In TCP/IP model the transport layer does not guarantees delivery of packets.
3. It follows vertical approach.	3. TCP/IP follows horizontal approach.
4. Transport Layer is Connection Oriented.	5. Transport Layer is both Connection Oriented and Connection less.
5. Network Layer is both Connection Oriented and Connection less.	6. Network Layer is Connection less.
6. OSI is a reference model around which the networks are built	7. TCP/IP model is, in a way implementation of the OSI model.
7. Network layer of OSI model provides both connection oriented and connectionless service.	8. The Network layer in TCP/IP model provides connectionless service.
8. OSI model has a problem of fitting the protocols into the model.	9. TCP/IP model does not fit any protocol
9. Protocols are hidden in OSI model and are easily replaced as the technology changes.	10. In TCP/IP replacing protocol is not easy.
10. OSI model defines services, interfaces and protocols very clearly and makes clear distinction between them. It is protocol independent.	11. In TCP/IP, services, interfaces and protocols are not clearly separated. It is also protocol dependent.
11. It has 7 layers	12. It has 4 layers

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Diagram Of OSI model  and TCP/IP