Assignment Writing Help | Blog

Pros and Cons of the OSI Reference Model

by · Published · Updated

Students pursuing IT courses are expected to study various models. All these models should be critically analysed so that students can apply these models well to their practical needs. A well-known model studied by IT students is the OSI Model. It is an Open Systems Interconnection Model. This is a framework used to explain the key functions of a networking system. The OSI Reference Model was developed in 1984 when network computing had just begun. The key motive of using this model is to explain Network Architecture. This model category the computing functions into different requirements so that several products and software can be supported. OSI reference model shows that the communications between a computing system are divided into seven key abstraction layers. These are physical, data link, transport, network, session, application and presentation.

Pros and Cons of the OSI Reference Model

There are various advantages and disadvantages to using the OSI Reference Model. Let’s take the advantages and disadvantages one by one.

Advantages of OSI Reference Model

  • The OSI reference model is a general model which is used for developing any network model so it can be treated as a universal model as well.
  • The OSI reference model has 7 layers, due to which this model is layered. If any changes are made in one layer, it does not affect the other layers. However, if the interfaces between the layers change, then it can influence other layers.
  • The key advantage of using the OSI reference model is that it effectively differentiates between the services and any protocols. The model is extremely flexible and replacement is very easy.
  • The OSI reference model supports different services, such as connection-oriented and connectionless services.

Disadvantages of the OSI Model

  • The OSI reference model has certain limitations as well that cannot be ignored. So, here we explain the disadvantages of this model.
  • The OSI reference model is based too much on theory and whether technology can be used or not is not taken into consideration. Hence, the practical implementation of the model is less.
  • This model was launched when it was not needed. During the inception of the OSI reference model, the organisations usually used TCP/IP protocols. The companies did not want to use this model.
  • The OSI reference model is a complicated model as the implementation was extremely slow.
  • Although there are seven layers in this model, certain layers have no use at all. So, it makes the model a little vague.
  • The layers are present twice due to which the model can be vague.
  • The OSI reference model is mostly theory based due to which its practical implementation is not effective.
  • This model cannot cope with the practical needs due to which it is considered to be of low quality.

These are some disadvantages of the OSI reference model. However, the model is still adopted by the firms for their network computing needs.

IT students are expected to understand the pros and cons of the model so that they can manage assignments based on them. However, if you face any difficulty managing the assignments on the OSI reference model, then you can approach our IT writers who have experience in delivering several such successful assignments. So, do not hassle if you have got your assignment on the famous OSI Reference Model. Book your paper with us today.

You may also like...