See How Data Travels the Internet
An interactive simulator that shows how messages are encapsulated through the seven OSI layers. Choose protocols, media, and watch step-by-step from Application down to Physical.
7 OSI Layers
Step-by-Step
Real Protocols
HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP
Web & Desktop
Free & Educational
Powerful Features
Everything you need to explore the OSI model interactively
All 7 OSI Layers
Step-by-step visualization from Application (Layer 7) down to Physical (Layer 1). See encapsulation with clear labels and PDU names.
Custom Message & Settings
Enter any message and choose transmission medium (Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, Fiber, Coaxial, Radio) and protocol (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, DNS, FTP).
Real Protocol Behavior
Headers and encapsulation reflect real protocol behavior. Optional source and destination IP addresses for addressing at the Network layer.
Animation Control
Adjust speed (slow, normal, fast), enable auto-advance and repeat. Or click through each layer manually at your own pace.
Live Layer View
See headers added at each layer, payload from upper layer, and optional hex view. Understand what happens at every step.
Multiple Themes
Choose from 8 themes: Navy, Dark, Light, Sunset, Ocean, Forest, Purple Dream, and Midnight for a comfortable viewing experience.
Web & Desktop
Use the simulator in your browser or download the desktop app. No account required. Free and educational.
How It Works
Explore the OSI model in 4 simple steps
Enter Your Message & Settings
Type any message, choose a transmission medium (Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, Fiber, etc.) and protocol (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, DNS, FTP). Optionally set source and destination IPs.
Run the Simulation
Start the animation and watch as your data is encapsulated layer by layer — from Application (Layer 7) down to Physical (Layer 1). Use auto-advance or step manually.
Inspect Each Layer
See the headers added at each layer, PDU names (Data, Segment, Packet, Frame, Bits), and optional hex view. Understand encapsulation at every step.
Learn & Repeat
Adjust speed, enable repeat to loop the animation, or explore the "How it works" guide. Built for students and anyone curious about networking.
See It In Action
Try the OSI Model Simulator — use the web version or download the desktop app
Interactive Simulator
Click "Launch Simulator" to try it
Click the button above to launch the simulator in a new tab
Perfect For Everyone
Whether you're a student, teacher, or professional, the OSI Model Simulator fits your learning style
Students & Learners
Understand the OSI model visually. See how data is encapsulated and what happens at each layer.
Teachers & Instructors
Demonstrate networking concepts in class with an interactive, step-by-step simulator.
Network Administrators
Refresh or explain protocol behavior and layer roles to colleagues and trainees.
Developers Learning Networking
Connect application-level protocols (HTTP, HTTPS) to the full stack from Layer 7 to Layer 1.
Certification Prep
Study for networking certifications (e.g. CompTIA, CCNA) with a hands-on encapsulation view.
Curious Minds
Anyone who wants to see how a message becomes bits on the wire. No prior networking knowledge required.
Download for Your Platform
Use the simulator in your browser or download the desktop app for Windows, Linux, macOS, and more
Current Version: 0.1.1
Windows
Looking for the latest version? Check our GitHub Releases
Or use the web version directly in your browser — no installation required!
Why Choose OSI Model Simulator?
The smart choice for learning the OSI model
Visual & Interactive
See encapsulation step-by-step instead of reading static diagrams. Pause, repeat, and adjust speed to learn at your own pace.
Real Protocols & Media
Uses real protocol behavior (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, DNS, FTP) and transmission media (Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, Fiber, Coaxial, Radio). Not a toy model.
Built for Learning
Clear layer names, PDU labels, optional hex view, and a "How it works" guide. Perfect for students and certification prep.
Free & Open Source
Completely free and open source. No account required. Use in the browser or download the desktop app. Educational use encouraged.
Protocols & Media Supported
Real protocols and transmission media in the simulator
HTTP
HTTPS
SMTP
DNS
FTP
Ethernet
Wi‑Fi
Fiber
Coaxial
Radio
Application
Presentation
Session
Transport
Network
Data Link
Physical
Built with Modern Technology
The simulator is built with tools you already know
React
UI Framework
TypeScript
Type Safety
Next.js
Web Framework
Tauri
Desktop App
Tailwind CSS
Styling
Framer Motion
Animations
How We Compare
See why learners choose the OSI Model Simulator
System Requirements
Minimum specifications needed to run the OSI Model Simulator
Web Application
Browser Requirements
- ▪Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, or Edge 90+
- ▪JavaScript enabled
- ▪Minimum 2 GB RAM
- ▪Stable internet connection
- ▪Screen resolution: 1024×768 or higher
Windows Desktop
Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- ▪CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent (2.0 GHz+)
- ▪RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
- ▪Storage: 200 MB available space
- ▪Display: 1280×720 or higher
Windows ARM64
- ▪ARM64 processor (Snapdragon 850+)
- ▪RAM: 4 GB minimum
- ▪Storage: 200 MB available space
macOS Desktop
macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
- ▪Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) or Intel processor
- ▪RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
- ▪Storage: 200 MB available space
- ▪Display: 1280×720 or higher
Linux Desktop
Ubuntu 20.04+ / Debian 11+ / Fedora 34+
- ▪CPU: x86_64 architecture (64-bit)
- ▪RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended
- ▪Storage: 200 MB available space
- ▪Display Server: X11 or Wayland
- ▪GTK 3.0+ libraries
Android
Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later
- ▪ARM64, ARMv7, x86, or x86_64 architecture
- ▪RAM: 2 GB minimum, 4 GB recommended
- ▪Storage: 100 MB available space
- ▪Screen resolution: 720×1280 or higher
iOS
iOS 13.0 or later
- ▪iPhone 6S or newer
- ▪iPad (5th generation) or newer
- ▪RAM: 2 GB minimum
- ▪Storage: 100 MB available space
- ▪iOS Simulator: Xcode 13+
Note: These are minimum requirements. The web version runs in any modern browser with an internet connection. Desktop builds are available for a native experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the OSI Model Simulator
About OSI Model Simulator
The OSI Model Simulator was created to make networking concepts visible and interactive. Instead of static diagrams, you can see how a message is encapsulated through all seven layers, with real protocols and media.
Open Source
Built with love for the developer community. Free forever and open to contributions.
Developer First
Designed by developers, for developers. We understand your workflow and pain points.
Privacy Focused
All processing happens locally. Your images never leave your device.
Continuously Improving
Regular updates with new platforms, features, and improvements based on your feedback.
Built by Roboticela
Licensed under AGPL-3.0 • Open Source Forever