The OSI model breaks down the hundreds of tasks and questions into seven layers,

each of which is responsible for specific functions, thereby making the networking
process more manageable.

Layers and functions of the OSI reference model

There are some common mnemonics that can be helpful in remembering the seven
layers, such as ‘all people seem to need data processing’ or ‘please do not take
sales persons’ advice’.

The benefits of this model include:

The functions of each layer are clearly defined, and manufacturers have a framework
for developing hardware and applications. They can therefore develop products that
specialise in one layer rather than having to cover the entire range. For example,
a manufacturer who makes NICs need only work with the data link and physical
layers.
It reduces complexity by compartmentalising different functions and defining the
boundaries between each layer. This means that the introduction of a new standard
for one layer will not require modification of any existing standards for other
layers.
One or more protocols may be developed and standardised for each layer in order to
carry out different tasks.
It simplifies troubleshooting network issues.
It promotes interoperability between different vendor equipment.
The OSI model is a peer-to-peer system, meaning that the layers at the sending end
communicate with their counterpart layers at the receiver (application to
application, network to network etc.). Of course, the only layer that actually
physically exists is the physical layer, so all of the other layer-to-layer
communications must be sent along it.