Difference between OSI and TCP/IP


  1. OSI stands for Open System Interconnection whereas TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
  2. OSI model has 7 layers whereas TCP/IP has 5 layers.
  3. OSI model is less reliable whereas the TCP/IP model is reliable.
  4. OSI provides connection-oriented and connectionless service whereas TCP/IP provides only connectionless service.
  5. OSI model it doesn't dependent on protocol whereas the TCP/IP model is protocol dependent.
  6. OSI model follows a vertical approach whereas the TCP/IP model follows a horizontal approach.
  7. Some layers of the OSI model can not be fully defined whereas All layers of TCP/IP can be fully defined.