Difference between OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model

Comparison of OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model

Following are some major differences between OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model, with diagrammatic comparison below.

OSI(Open System Interconnection)	TCP/IP(Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
1. OSI is a generic, protocol independent standard, acting as a communication gateway between the network and end user.	1. TCP/IP model is based on standard protocols around which the Internet has developed. It is a communication protocol, which allows connection of hosts over a network.
2. In OSI model the transport layer guarantees the delivery of packets.	2. In TCP/IP model the transport layer does not guarantees delivery of packets. Still the TCP/IP model is more reliable.
3. Follows vertical approach.	3. Follows horizontal approach.
4. OSI model has a separate Presentation layer and Session layer.	4. TCP/IP does not have a separate Presentation layer or Session layer.
5. OSI is a reference model around which the networks are built. Generally it is used as a guidance tool.	5. TCP/IP model is, in a way implementation of the OSI model.
6. Network layer of OSI model provides both connection oriented and connectionless service.	6. The Network layer in TCP/IP model provides connectionless service.
7. OSI model has a problem of fitting the protocols into the model.	7. TCP/IP model does not fit any protocol
8. Protocols are hidden in OSI model and are easily replaced as the technology changes.	8. In TCP/IP replacing protocol is not easy.
9. OSI model defines services, interfaces and protocols very clearly and makes clear distinction between them. It is protocol independent.	9. In TCP/IP, services, interfaces and protocols are not clearly separated. It is also protocol dependent.
10. It has 7 layers	10. It has 4 layers