This chapter maps to topic 1.1 from the official CompTIA Network+ blueprint: Compare the layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models. The first chapter in the Networking Concepts section proposes an analysis of the OSI and TCP/IP models, taking into account the particularities of each of the seven OSI layers and the four TCP/IP layers. The information presented in this chapter will help students understand the logical process that happens when network devices communicate with each other.
The OSI and TCP/IP models were defined in order to understand and structure the processes that make a network function. While the OSI (Open System Interconnection) reference model can help in understanding how network communications occur, it represents more of a theoretical approach, unlike the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol suite used in production. TCP/IP is considered a set of protocols (or a protocol stack) that operate together to accomplish various tasks that allow inter-communication among network devices.