1. Introduction

1.3. 3. Functional Comparison

Physical and Data Link vs. Link Layer:

OSI: Separates physical transmission (Layer 1) and node-to-node communication (Layer 2).

Examples: Cables (Layer 1), Ethernet, MAC addresses (Layer 2).

Function: Layer 1 defines hardware specs; Layer 2 handles framing and error detection.

TCP/IP: Combines both into the Link layer for simplicity.

Examples: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, ARP.

Function: Manages physical transmission and local data transfer in one layer.

Network vs. Internet Layer:

OSI: Network layer focuses on routing and logical addressing.

Examples: IP, ICMP, OSPF.

Function: Routes packets across networks using logical addresses.

TCP/IP: Internet layer performs the same role, focusing on IP-based routing.

Examples: IP (IPv4, IPv6), ICMP.

Function: Identical to OSI’s Network layer, emphasizing global routing.