OSI Network Layers Sorting Game

Drag each networking concept to the correct OSI model layer

Layer 1: Physical

Hardware, cables, signals

Layer 3: Network

IP addresses, routing, packets

Layer 4: Transport

TCP/UDP, ports, segmentation

Layer 5: Session

Session management, dialog control

Layer 6: Presentation

Data translation, encryption

Layer 7: Application

End-user services, protocols

Your Progress

Score: 0 points

Level: Network Novice

The OSI Network Model

7
Application
Network applications and services that users interact with directly (HTTP, FTP, DNS, SMTP)
6
Presentation
Data formatting, encryption, compression, and translation between different formats (JPEG, ASCII, MIDI)
5
Session
Establishes, maintains, and terminates connections between applications (RPC, NetBIOS)
4
Transport
End-to-end data transfer, reliability, flow control (TCP, UDP)
3
Network
Logical addressing, routing, path determination (IP, ICMP, routers)
2
Data Link
Physical addressing, error detection, media access control (Ethernet, switches, MAC addresses)
1
Physical
Physical transmission of bits, electrical signals, cables and hardware (cables, hubs, repeaters)

Understanding the OSI Model

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to understand and implement networking protocols. It divides network communication into seven distinct layers, each responsible for specific functions. Data flows down through the layers on the sending device and up through the layers on the receiving device.

How to Remember the Layers

Common mnemonic: "Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away"
(Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application)

Or from top down: "All People Seem To Need Data Processing"
(Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical)