Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away: A Fun Memory Trick for the OSI Model Layers

For those working in IT and networking having a solid grasp of the OSI model and its 7 layers is essential. However remembering the order and function of each layer can be tricky, especially for newcomers to the field. That’s where clever memory devices like “Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away” come in handy!

In this article, we’ll explore this popular OSI layer mnemonic and how it can help you memorize the model more easily. Read on for a complete guide to using pizza and sausage to master networking’s most famous stack.

First a quick overview of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model if you need a refresher

• Developed in the 1980s to standardize network communication
• Defines 7 layers of functions required for communication
• Each layer relies on the layers below it to function
• Layers grouped into 3 categories – network, transport and application
• Mnemonics like the pizza one help memorize the 7 layers

The OSI model remains highly relevant even with newer architectures like TCP/IP. Understanding it is key for anyone working with network design, hardware, protocols and more. That’s where mnemonics can really save the day.

Using “Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away”

This popular memory trick assigns each word in the phrase to the first letter of an OSI layer:

• Do = Physical
• Not = Data Link
• Throw = Network
• Sausage = Transport
• Pizza = Session
• Away = Presentation
• Do = Application

By memorizing this silly phrase, you can easily recall the order of the layers, from the bottom (Physical) to the top (Application). The words even relate to each layer’s function in a very broad sense:

• Do = electrical signals
• Not = link devices
• Throw = route packets
• Sausage = deliver data
• Pizza = establish sessions
• Away = format/translate data
• Do = interact with user

So if you Tell someone to Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away, you are moving up the OSI model from start to finish!

Why This Memory Trick Works

There are a few reasons why this particular OSI mnemonic sticks in people’s minds:

• The phrase makes you picture a story
• It’s easy to recall doing/not doing something with food items
• The words map closely to layers’ names and functions
• Pizza and sausage are fun, appetizing words
• The phrase has a natural flow and rhythm to it

In short, it paints a silly scenario that catches your attention and tickles your taste buds. By mapping a phrase to concepts you need to learn, you leverage your existing memory capabilities.

When to Use This Mnemonic

Here are some of the most helpful times to leverage “Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away” for the OSI model:

• When first learning the 7 layers to memorize their order
• Before a networking certification or test to jog your memory
• When trying to determine what layer a protocol works on
• To memorize the bottom-to-top flow of data transmission
• To broadly associate a layer with its main functions
• As a quick verbal checklist when troubleshooting issues

Of course, it isn’t a substitution for deeply learning about each layer. But it is immensely helpful for priming your knowledge when needed.

Sample Usage of the Mnemonic

Let’s walk through a quick example of how this OSI memory trick can be applied:

You’re studying for the Network+ exam and can’t recall the order of the layers. You take a deep breath and slowly say “Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away” to yourself.

• Do = Physical – got it, bottom layer!
• Not = Data Link – second from bottom
• Throw = Network – middle layer for routing
• Sausage = Transport – hmm, must manage data delivery
• Pizza = Session – something to do with sessions between nodes
• Away = Presentation – probably prepares data for transport?
• Do = Application – top layer for software!

Just by using the mnemonic phrase once, you were able to correctly reconstruct the entire 7 layer OSI model from memory!

Other Variations to Memorize

The pizza-focused OSI mnemonic has many forms. Some other popular variations include:

• All People Seem To Need Data Processing
• Please Do Not Take Sausage Pizzas Away
• All People Should Try New Diet Pepsi

Feel free to create your own variation using the OSI layer first letters as a template. The key is finding a phrase that you connect with and can easily recall.

In the networking world, few tools are more invaluable than mnemonics for jogging your memory. By mapping technical concepts like the OSI model to catchy or silly phrases, you can give your brain an assist when needed.

So next time you’re struggling to recall those 7 layers in order, just tell yourself emphatically: “Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away!” With this tasty phrase in mind, you’ll be an OSI model expert in no time.