ACTIVITY 1: Exploring the OSI Model through Application Layer Protocols
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a foundational concept in the field of networking, providing a standardised framework for understanding how different networking protocols interact and function. This model is divided into seven distinct layers, each responsible for specific tasks and functions in the process of communication between networked devices. The Application Layer, being the topmost layer, is particularly crucial as it directly interfaces with end-user applications and provides various network services.
In this activity, we will delve into the Application Layer by exploring one of its many protocols in depth. Each group will select a unique protocol from a diverse list, such as HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, and many others. Through a series of structured steps, you will research, document, and visualise how your chosen protocol operates within the OSI model. This includes identifying key technical specifications, such as port numbers and typical use cases, and creating detailed diagrams that illustrate the protocol’s interaction with other OSI layers in real-world scenarios.
By the end of this activity, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how application layer protocols function and how they are implemented and managed in real-world network environments. This knowledge is fundamental for anyone aspiring to excel in the field of information technology and networking.
Objectives:
- Understand the Functionality of Application Layer Protocols:
- Describe the purpose and use cases of various application layer protocols.
- Analyse Technical Specifications:
- Identify and explain the technical specifications of a chosen protocol, including port numbers and OSI layer interactions.
- Visualise Protocol Interaction:
- Create detailed diagrams illustrating the interaction of their chosen protocol within the OSI model using Diagrams.net.
- Apply Real-World Scenarios:
- Integrate real-world scenarios into their diagrams, including specific IP addresses, port numbers, and data flow details.
List of 30 Application Layer Protocols
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): Used for transmitting web pages on the internet.
- HTTPS (HTTP Secure): Secure version of HTTP, using SSL/TLS to encrypt data.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring files between computers on a network.
- FTPS (FTP Secure): FTP with SSL/TLS encryption.
- SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): FTP over SSH for secure file transfers.
- SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Used for sending emails.
- IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): Used for retrieving and storing emails.
- POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3): Used for retrieving emails.
- DNS (Domain Name System): Resolves domain names to IP addresses.
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
- SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): Used for network management and monitoring.
- Telnet: Used for remote command-line access to network devices.
- SSH (Secure Shell): Secure protocol for remote command-line access and other secure network services.
- LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol): Accesses and maintains distributed directory information services.
- NTP (Network Time Protocol): Synchronises clocks of networked devices.
- RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): Allows remote desktop connections to another computer.
- SIP (Session Initiation Protocol): Manages multimedia communication sessions, such as voice and video calls.
- RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol): Controls streaming media servers.
- RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol): Delivers audio and video over IP networks.
- TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol): Simple file transfer protocol with minimal features.
- IRC (Internet Relay Chat): Facilitates text-based communication in real-time.
- MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport): Lightweight messaging protocol for IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
- AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol): Open standard application layer protocol for message-oriented middleware.
- CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol): Protocol designed for constrained devices and networks, often used in IoT.
- SMB (Server Message Block): Provides shared access to files, printers, and serial ports.
- NFS (Network File System): Allows file access over a network similar to a local file system.
- Gopher: An early distributed document search and retrieval protocol.
- NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol): Used for Usenet news articles.
- LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol): Access and manage directory information over a network.
- IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): Email retrieval protocol that allows managing email directly on the mail server.
- Choose 1 of the Application layer protocols.
- The application layer that your group should be unique from other groups.
- Draw a diagram of the OSI model integrating real world scenarios or application of the protocol of your choice. This should be broken down into specific details.
- Example: Identify the specific IP address, port number etc..
- Use diagrams.io for this activity
Example Breakdown for HTTP Protocol:
- Protocol Overview:
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol):
- Used for transmitting web pages on the internet.
- Common use cases include accessing websites and web applications.
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol):
- Technical Specifications:
- Port Number: 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS)
- OSI Model Integration:
- Application Layer (Layer 7,6,5): Handles HTTP requests and responses. (breakdown how it is being handled in this stage)
- Transport Layer (Layer 4): Uses TCP for reliable data transmission. (breakdown how the TCP/UDP handles the transmission including other details)
- Network Layer (Layer 3): IP addresses for routing data packets. (breakdown how the data are being routed from a node to the other. Add other details as follows)
- (add succeeding layers)
- Diagram Creation:
- Example Scenario:
- A user accesses a website (https://torogipro.com). Using a chrome browser.
- Details:
- User’s IP Address: 192.168.1.100
- Web Server IP Address: 203.0.113.5
- Port: 80 (HTTP)
- (add necessary details)
- Layer Interaction:
- Application Layer: User’s browser sends an HTTP GET request.
- Transport Layer: TCP establishes a connection using the three-way handshake.
- Network Layer: Data packets are routed from the user’s device to the web server.
- Add details as follows.
- Example Scenario:
- Presentation
- Presentation of the activity