OSI

  1. Short for Open System Interconnection, OSI is a network model developed by ISO in 1978 where peer-to-peer communications are divided into seven layers. Each layer performs a specific task or tasks, and builds upon the preceding layer until the communications are complete. Below are the purposes of each of the seven layers.

    1 - Physical layer - responsible for the electrical, mechanical and timing across the link.

    2 - Data link layer (also known as the link layer) - responsible for transmitting data across a link.

    3 - Network layer - responsible for routing information through the network and allowing systems to communicate.

    4 - Transport layer - responsible for transferring information between endpoints on the network and deals with errors such as lost or duplicate packets.

    5 - Session layer - responsible for managing a session between two applications.

    6 - Presentation layer - responsible for the data formatting and display, allowing for compatibility.

    7 - Application layer - responsible for user interaction. An example of an OSI application is the FTAM.

  2. Short for Open-Source Initiative, OSI is a non-profit corporation dedicated to managing and promoting Open Source. Their page can be found at http://www.opensource.org/.

Also see: ASN.1, HDLC, Layer 8, LLC, Network definitions, Open-source, PDU, X.25