By separating the network communications into logical smaller pieces, the osi model simplifies how network protocols are designed. the osi model was designed to ensure different types of equipment (such as network adapters, hubs, and routers) would all be compatible even if built by different manufacturers. a product from one network equipment vendor that implements osi layer 2 functionality, for example, will be much more likely to interoperate with another vendors osi layer 3 product because both vendors are following the same model.