The Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) is a conceptual framework for describing the functions of a networking system. This framework was the first standard model for network communications. The OSI model employs a structuring approach known as layering, which divides communication into a series of vertical tiers. Computer systems use seven layers to communicate over a network.
During the late 1970s, the OSI model was designed to facilitate the rise of multiple computer networking systems competing for application in the world’s significant national networking endeavors. The goal of developing networking standards is to identify widely accepted methods of setting up networks and connecting the two. The OSI Reference Model was an early attempt to bring all the different hardware and software vendors together to agree on a framework for developing diverse networking technologies. The model became a working product of the Open Systems Interconnection group in the 1980s.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks can occur on the different OSI layers. DDoS refers to a method in which cybercriminals prevent a network from operating or communicating regularly by flooding the network with malicious traffic that originates from multiple distributed sources. Multiple bots, known as zombies, are employed in this type of attack to send massive amounts of traffic to the victim server. The site’s usual traffic, also known as legitimate packets, is halted as a result. DDoS is a simple, effective and powerful attack method fueled by vulnerable devices and bad digital habits.
In the OSI reference model, the communications between computing systems are divided into seven abstraction layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation and Application.
Each layer performs specialized responsibilities to support the layers above while providing services to the layers below. The three lowest layers are concerned with directing traffic through the network to an end system. The top four layers are used in the final system to complete the process.