Ever wondered how your messages, photos, and videos travel from one software to another across the internet? It’s like a well-organized postal system but for data. Two key models help make sense of this process: the OSI Model and the TCP/IP Model. Let’s dive into what these models are and how they compare in a way that’s easy to understand.

What is the OSI Model?

Think of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model as a detailed blueprint for how data moves across a network. Imagine sending a letter: you write it, put it in an envelope, address it, and then mail it. The OSI Model breaks down the data journey into seven distinct steps or layers: