|  | 2.3 | Comparison of the OSI Model and the TCP/IP Model
| 2.3.4 | Comparison of the OSI model and the TCP/IP model

If you compare the OSI model and the TCP/IP model, you will notice that they have similarities and differences. Examples include:

| Lab Activity
| In this lab, you will learn to relate the seven layers of the OSI model to the 4 layers of the TCP/IP model as well as name the primary TCP/IP protocols and utilities that operate at each layer.

Similarities

both have layers
- both have application layers, though they include very different services
- both have comparable transport and network layers
- packet-switched (not circuit-switched) technology is assumed
- networking professionals need to know both

Differences

- TCP/IP combines the presentation and session layer issues into its application layer
- TCP/IP combines the OSI data link and physical layers into one layer
- TCP/IP appears simpler because it has fewer layers
- TCP/IP protocols are the standards around which the Internet developed, so the TCP/IP model gains credibility just because of its protocols. In contrast, typically networks aren't built on the OSI protocol, even though the OSI model is used as a guide.

| Web Links
| Introduction to the Internet Protocols