SYSTEM-DESIGN
    beginner

    OSI Model Layers

    Software Engineer path · lesson 63 of 99
    Ready to begin transmission
    Sender (Encapsulation)
    7
    Application
    HTTP
    Data
    6
    Presentation
    SSL/TLS
    Data
    5
    Session
    NetBIOS
    Data
    4
    Transport
    TCP
    Segments
    3
    Network
    IP
    Packets
    2
    Data Link
    Ethernet
    Frames
    1
    Physical
    Cables
    Bits
    Physical Medium
    Awaiting transmission...
    Receiver (Decapsulation)
    7
    Application
    HTTP
    Data
    6
    Presentation
    SSL/TLS
    Data
    5
    Session
    NetBIOS
    Data
    4
    Transport
    TCP
    Segments
    3
    Network
    IP
    Packets
    2
    Data Link
    Ethernet
    Frames
    1
    Physical
    Cables
    Bits

    Down the stack

    Sequence

    Order the OSI layers as data is sent, from the application down to the wire.

    Tap a piece, then tap where it goes — or drag it. Tap the tray to take one back.

    1. 1Drop a step here
    2. 2Drop a step here
    3. 3Drop a step here
    4. 4Drop a step here
    5. 5Drop a step here
    6. 6Drop a step here
    7. 7Drop a step here
    7 pieces left to place

    Test your knowledge

    21 questions
    Question 1 of 21
    Score: 0

    During the encapsulation process, what does the Transport layer wrap the Application Data into?

    The short version

    The OSI model is like sending a physical package. Layer 7 is writing the letter. Layer 6 is translating it. Layer 5 is putting it in an envelope. Layer 4 is choosing certified mail. Layer 3 is adding the delivery address. Layer 2 is the mail truck. Layer 1 is the physical road it travels on.

    In more depth

    The OSI Model

    The Open Systems Interconnection model describes 7 layers that computer systems use to communicate over a network.

    The Layers

    7.Application: High-level APIs (HTTP, FTP).
    6.Presentation: Data formatting, encryption, compression.
    5.Session: Maintaining connections.
    4.Transport: Reliable transmission (TCP) vs Unreliable (UDP).
    3.Network: Routing and logical addressing (IP).
    2.Data Link: Physical addressing (MAC) and switching.
    1.Physical: Raw bit stream over physical medium.

    Interview Questions

    Amazon
    Cisco
    Meta
    Amazon
    Cloudflare
    Datadog
    Google
    Stripe
    Netflix
    Meta
    Microsoft
    Cisco

    Love this visualization?

    Sign up to track your progress, earn achievements, use the AI assistant, and access your personal learning dashboard.

    100% free • No credit card required