Application Layer

Application Layer

An application layer as used in Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) consists of the protocols which are focused on the process-to-process communication across an Internet Protocol (IP) network which enables and provides a stable communication interface and end-user services.  This layer makes up the seventh layer of the OSI model.

This layer is also the only layer that directly interacts with the end user.  The application layer can proved many different services.  A few of these can be simple mail transfer protocol, file transfer, surfing the internet, chatting with friends, email clients, network data sharing, and various forms of file and data operations.

This layer allows the end user to have full access to the varied shared network services.  This allows for a very efficient OSI model data flow.  This layer is responsible for many different functions such as network flow, data recovery, error handling, and data flow.

The Application Layer in an OSI application is responsible for the displaying of the information and images to the end user in a way that a human can recognize it.  This allows for the ease of use for the end user.

This layer also ensures that the capabilities are present within the network for proper function.  It ensures that the networks are able to be reached and that they are identifiable.  It authenticate the message sender, the message receiver, or both.  It ensures data and error recovery procedures are agreed upon at both ends as well as privacy.  It also determines data syntax and protocol at the application level.  Formatting of information is another of the main responsibilities of this layer.

This is the top level of an OSI seven layer model application.  In short, this layer deals with end user satisfaction, usability, and ensures the user can visually understand the delivered data.

Read more