The OSI Model & It’s Importance to Cloud Engineers.

What is the OSI MODEL?

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a conceptual framework used to describe the functions of a networking system. The model is a way to understand how computers and devices communicate with each other over a network. It breaks down the communication process into (7) different layers, each responsible for a specific task.

In simpler terms, think of the OSI model as a set of steps that devices follow when they communicate with each other. Each layer has its own specific job. By breaking down the communication process into these layers, the OSI model helps ensure that data can travel efficiently and reliably across networks.

Here’s a simplified explanation of the OSI model:

• Physical Layer: This layer deals with the actual physical connection between devices. It includes things like cables, connectors, and the electrical signals that travel through them.
• Data Link Layer: This layer ensures that data is transmitted reliably across a physical link. It takes care of tasks like packaging data, detecting and correcting errors, and generally controlling the flow of data.
• Network Layer: This layer handles the addressing and routing of data packets between different networks. It determines the best path for data to travel, based on network conditions and addresses assigned to devices.
• Transport Layer: The transport layer ensures that data is delivered reliably from one device to another. This layer ensures the date arrives intact.
• Session Layer: This layer sets up and manages communication sessions between devices. It helps establish connections, maintain them during the data exchange, and terminate them when the communication is complete.
• Presentation Layer: The presentation layer is responsible for the way data is represented and formatted. It handles tasks like data encryption, compression, and converting data into a format that can be understood by the receiving device.
• Application Layer: The application layer is the layer closest to the user and the one that interacts directly with software applications. It provides services and protocols that enable specific applications to communicate over the network. Examples include web browsers (just as you are using now to read this article ) We are at the application layer. As well as other example such as email .

Why is the OSI Model important to Cloud Engineers / Solutions Architects

Understanding the OSI model helps cloud engineers diagnose network-related issues, collaborate with network teams, and design secure and efficient cloud architectures. While the cloud engineer’s primary focus may be on the application layer and the layers directly involved in networking and security, having a comprehensive understanding of the OSI model contributes to a better understanding of the cloud environment as a whole