Following are some similarities between OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model.
- Both have layered architecture.
- Layers provide similar functionalities.
- Both are protocol stack.
- Both are reference models.
| S.No. | OSI(Open System Interconnection) | TCP/IP(Transmission |
| 1 | OSI is a generic, protocol independent | TCP/IP model is based on standard protocols standard, acting as a communication gateway around which the Internet has developed. It is a between the network and end user. communication protocol, which allows connection of hosts over a network |
| 2 | In OSI model the transport layer guarantees | In TCP/IP model the transport layer does not the delivery of packets. guarantees delivery of packets. Still the TCP/IP model is more reliable. |
| 3 | Follows vertical approach | Follows horizontal approach |
| 4 | OSI model has a separate Presentation layer and Session layer. | TCP/IP does not have a separate Presentation layer or Session layer. |
| 5 | Transport Layer is Connection Oriented. | Transport Layer is both Connection Oriented and Connection less. |
| 6 | Network Layer is both Connection Oriented and Connection less. | Network Layer is Connection less. |
| 7 | OSI is a reference model around which the networks are built. Generally it is used as a guidance tool. | TCP/IP model is, in a way implementation of the OSI model. |
| 8 | Network layer of OSI model provides both connection oriented and connectionless service. | The Network layer in TCP/IP model provides connectionless service. |
| 9 | OSI model has a problem of fitting the protocols into the model. | TCP/IP model does not fit any protocol |
| 10 | Protocols are hidden in OSI model and are easily replaced as the technology changes. | In TCP/IP replacing protocol is not easy. |
| 11 | OSI model defines services, interfaces and protocols very clearly and makes clear distinction between them. It is protocol independent. | In TCP/IP, services, interfaces and protocols are not clearly separated. It is also protocol dependent. |
| 12 | It has 7 layers | It has 4 layers |
