You Have Joined A New Company As A Trainee Cybersecurity Ana ✓ Solved

You Have Joined A New Company As Trainee Cybersecurity Analyst After

You have joined a new company as Trainee Cybersecurity Analyst. After your first 2 weeks of intense training, you are expected to ensure the security of the internal systems and critical internal data protection. Your reporting manager has asked you to research a cyberspace model, compare it to the OSI model, and prepare a presentation. Create a 6- to 8-slide presentation with speaker notes and visuals. Research a cyberspace model to compare to the OSI model. Define each layer and provide a brief description of each. Compare your chosen model with the OSI model. Discuss the similarities and differences, such as how the layers overlap, and so on Format any references according to APA guidelines.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

As cybersecurity continues to evolve, understanding the frameworks that underpin network architecture and data transmission is vital for protecting internal systems and critical information. One of the most foundational models in this domain is the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, which standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven distinct layers. While the OSI model provides a comprehensive reference, alternative cyberspace models, such as the TCP/IP model, are also widely used in real-world applications. This paper compares the OSI model with the TCP/IP model, analyzing their layers, functionalities, similarities, and differences to enhance understanding crucial for cybersecurity professionals.

Overview of the OSI Model

The OSI model, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), divides network communication into seven layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application. Each layer has specific functions, with data passing through each sequentially. The Physical layer deals with hardware transmission, whereas the Application layer interacts directly with user applications (Tanenbaum & Wetherall, 2011). The OSI model offers a theoretical approach that facilitates troubleshooting and promotes interoperability between diverse systems.

The TCP/IP Model as a Cyberspace Framework

The TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) model, also called the Internet protocol suite, is the backbone of modern internet communication. It consists of four layers: Network Interface, Internet, Transport, and Application. While it does not explicitly mirror the OSI’s seven layers, the TCP/IP model maps functions similarly, emphasizing practical implementation over theoretical completeness (Stevens, 1990). Its layered approach streamlines data transmission across heterogeneous networks, making it a relevant cyberspace model to compare with OSI.

Layer-by-Layer Comparison

Physical and Data Link Layers vs. Network Interface:

The OSI’s Physical and Data Link layers correspond to the TCP/IP’s Network Interface layer, handling hardware addressing, physical transmission, and media access. Both ensure that data packets are correctly transmitted over physical media, though OSI provides more granular control (Forouzan, 2007).

Network Layer vs. Internet Layer:

The OSI Network layer manages routing and logical addressing, akin to the TCP/IP Internet layer’s core function of IP addressing and routing. Both facilitate data packet delivery across networks, though OSI’s model emphasizes protocol independence.

Transport Layer:

Both models include a Transport layer responsible for end-to-end communication, error checking, and flow control. TCP in the TCP/IP model and the Transport layer in OSI perform similar functions, ensuring reliable data transfer (Kurose & Ross, 2017).

Session, Presentation, and Application Layers vs. Application Layer:

The OSI’s top three layers—Session, Presentation, and Application—are condensed into the Application layer in TCP/IP. OSI explicitly separates data presentation and session management, providing more detailed interactions, whereas TCP/IP combines these functions into a single layer focusing on practical application.

Similarities and Differences

Both models define layered architectures that facilitate communication and troubleshooting. They share common goals, such as modularity and separation of concerns. However, differences stem from their design philosophies: OSI offers a theoretical, protocol-independent framework, while TCP/IP emphasizes practical implementation aligned with internet technology. The OSI model’s seven layers allow more granular control, intermediate for educational purposes, whereas TCP/IP's four layers streamline processes for real-world applications (Comer, 2018).

Overlap and Correspondence:

Most OSI layers map to the TCP/IP layers, but the correspondence is not strictly one-to-one. For instance, the OSI’s session and presentation layers map into TCP/IP’s application layer, highlighting how TCP/IP combines multiple OSI functions to simplify implementation.

Layer Functionality Overlap:

While overlapping, certain functionalities such as encryption, compression, and session management are implemented differently depending on the model. In TCP/IP, these functions are often handled at the application level, contrasting with OSI’s dedicated layers.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences and similarities between the OSI and TCP/IP models is critical for cybersecurity professionals in assessing network vulnerabilities and designing secure communication protocols. The OSI model provides excellent educational clarity with its detailed layers, while TCP/IP’s practical architecture underpins current internet operations. Mastery of both frameworks allows cybersecurity analysts to better interpret data flows, identify points of failure, and implement effective security measures across network layers.

References

Comer, D. E. (2018). Internetworking with TCP/IP: Principles, protocols, and architecture (6th ed.). Pearson.

Forouzan, B. A. (2007). Data communications and networking (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer networking: A top-down approach (7th ed.). Pearson.

Stevens, W. R. (1990). TCP/IP illustrated, volume 1: The protocols. Addison-Wesley.

Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer networks (5th ed.). Pearson.