The reference model is a term used in software engineering that is a framework to help better communication between networks. This is done by professionals who are knowledgeable in this field and consists of set instructions on how the system should work. It explains the whole structure or an important part of the structure at once, but in the end represents the complete model. It also has many terms that are commonly used when implementing the model, which in turn can be of two different types known as the OSI model and the TCP / IP reference model. Both are different from each other although they perform the same task.The main difference between them is the name, OSI is called Open System Interconnection, while TCP / IP is known as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. There are three different upper layers in OSI which are an application, presentation and session, while there is only one such layer: TCP / IP, which is the application. The main function of the session layer in OSI is to allow two different entities to have a conference with each other, this is not possible with TCP / IP since these functions exist in the transport layer and the same happens with the presentation layer. They both have a different application layer, for OSI it is present in the 7 This is not possible with TCP / IP as these functions exist at the transport layer and the same is the case with the presentation layer. They both have a different application layer, for OSI it is present in the 7 This is not possible with TCP / IP as these functions exist at the transport layer and the same is the case with the presentation layer. They both have a different application layer, for OSI it is present in the 7^thelayer that is the highest, while TCP / IP has it at the top because it is the only layer. OSI uses FTAM, VT, MHS for the application layer, while TCP / IP uses FTP, SMTP, TELNET, and DNS for the application layer. The structure of the system is also different, for the OSI there is a common application development infrastructure along with the traditional transport services present with each other that are connected to the application layer. For TCP / IP, there is only the standard transport service stream that is directly related to the application ports. The ISO approach is known as the horizontal approach, while the TCP / IP method focuses on the vertical naming, only the parts that perform the function are positioned relative to each other.

Comparative chart

Definition of OSI

This is known as the horizontal approach where there are different layers such as presentation, session and application layers. The system works as a reference for other applications and does not implement any action by itself, but provides a set of guidelines related to the function, so it is not considered reliable. All layers play an important role and do different jobs, and there are a total of 7 layers among which the application layer is the highest.

Definition of TCP / IP

This is known as vertical approach and stands for Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol. It does not have many layers and the application layer performs the main functions, since there are no presentation and session ones. There are specific protocols that are present and cannot be overridden. It implements all the instructions by itself through the packet transfer, it is not guaranteed through the transfer layer, but is considered the most reliable among current systems.

Differences in a nutshell

1. OSI is known as horizontal approach, while TCP / IP is known as vertical approach.
2. There are seven different layers in the OSI model, while the number of layers for the TCP / IP model is four.
3. OSI is protocol independent and generic, while TCP / IP has standard rules that help develop the Internet.
4. The TCP / IP model is more reliable than the OSI model.
5. The packets are delivered to the OSI transport layer, whereas this is not a secure thing in the case of TCP / IP.
6. There is a presentation and session layer in the OSI model, whereas there is no such layer in the TCP / IP model.
7. OSI helps guide the network and acts as a reference tool, while TCP / IP implements the functions that the system executes.
8. TCP / IP provides connectionless services through the network layer, while the network layer for OSI provides both connectionless and connectionless services.
9. TCP / IP does not fit any other model while OSI tries to fit other models because it is a reference.
10. All the functions are clearly separated in the OSI model, whereas in the TCP / IP model the opposite is the case.
11. The protocols can be easily terminated and new ones can be introduced into the OSI model while the original rules remain in the TCP / IP model.

Final Thought

However, it can be said that the three terms that have been explained above are very different from each other in the way they are used and in their origins. Therefore, this article has provided a proper explanation of the terms so that people can use them correctly.