Concepts of OSI Model & IP Addressing

Understanding the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and IP addressing is fundamental in the world of networking. The OSI model is a conceptual framework used to understand network communication. It consists of seven layers, each responsible for specific functions to enable communication between devices. These layers are the Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, and Physical layers.

IP addressing is a critical component of network communication. IP (Internet Protocol) addresses are unique numerical identifiers assigned to devices on a network. There are two main versions of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address scheme, while IPv6 uses a 128-bit address scheme to accommodate the growing number of devices connected to the Internet.

When data is transmitted across a network, it is encapsulated at each layer of the OSI model. The data travels down the OSI layers on the sender's side and then is decapsulated on the receiver's side, following the reverse path back up the layers. The Network layer (Layer 3) plays a crucial role in IP addressing, routing packets to their destinations based on IP addresses.

Understanding the OSI model and IP addressing is essential for network administrators, engineers, and anyone working with computer networks. Mastery of these concepts enables efficient troubleshooting, network design, and implementation of various network services. By grasping these fundamental