Difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model

by dipak · Published February 3, 2014 · Updated January 27, 2017

OSI Model

TCP/IP Model

OSI is a reference model.
The OSI model however is a generic independent standard.
It has 7 layers.
Transport layer guarantees delivery of packets.
Horizontal approach.
Separate presentation layer.
Separate session layer.
Network layer provides both connectionless and connection oriented services.
It defines the services, interfaces and protocols very clearly and makes a clear distinction between them.
The protocols are better hidden and can be easily replaced as the technology changes.
OSI truly is a general model.
It has a problem of protocol filtering into a model.

TCP/IP is an implementation of OSI model
TCP/IP Protocols are considered to be standards around which the internet has developed.
It has 4 layers.
Transport layer does not guarantee delivery of packets.
Vertical approach.
No presentation layer, characteristics are provided by application layer
No session layer, characteristics are provided by transport layer.
Network layer provides only connection less services.
It does not clearly distinguishes between service interface and protocols
It is not easy to replace the protocols.
TCP/IP cannot be used for any other application.
The model does not fit any protocol stack.