An introduction to networking systems

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.

The OSI reference model

The OSI model is used to connect to the open systems—these are the systems that are...