OSI Model Quiz
Seven layers, and Network+ and CCNA both test them hard: given a protocol, a device or a function, which layer is it? Study the reference stack, then take the 10-question quiz with instant feedback and explanations.
Memory hook, top to bottom: All People Seem To Need Data Processing (Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical).
How exam questions use the OSI model
Most questions name something concrete — a switch, TCP, a cable, encryption — and ask for its layer. Anchor each layer to one device and one protocol: switch = layer 2, router = layer 3, TCP/UDP = layer 4, IP = layer 3, HTTP = layer 7, cables and hubs = layer 1. Watch for the classic traps: encryption belongs to layer 6 (presentation), and port numbers belong to layer 4, not layer 3.
The OSI model is core Network+ and CCNA — practice free
Try the free 30-question samples for Network+ N10-009 and CCNA 200-301 and test the rest of the blueprint.
Free Network+ SampleFree CCNA SampleFAQ
What are the 7 layers of the OSI model in order?
From top to bottom: 7 Application, 6 Presentation, 5 Session, 4 Transport, 3 Network, 2 Data Link, 1 Physical. The classic mnemonic is All People Seem To Need Data Processing, reading from layer 7 down to layer 1.
Is a switch a layer 2 or layer 3 device?
A standard switch is layer 2: it forwards frames using MAC addresses. A layer 3 (multilayer) switch can also route between VLANs using IP addresses, but exam questions mean a layer 2 switch unless they say multilayer or layer 3.
Which OSI layer is responsible for encryption?
The presentation layer (layer 6) handles data formatting, encryption and compression — that is where TLS/SSL work is classically placed on OSI exam questions, even though in the real TCP/IP stack TLS sits between transport and application.
What is the difference between the transport and network layers?
The network layer (3) moves packets between different networks using IP addresses and routers. The transport layer (4) manages the end-to-end conversation between applications on those hosts, using TCP or UDP and port numbers.