What is Layer 7 of The OSI Model: Application Layer?

Layer 7 of The OSI Model: Application Layer is the OSI layer closest to the end user, which means that both the OSI application layer and the user interact directly with the software application. This layer interacts with software applications that implement a communicating component. Such application programs fall outside the scope of the OSI model. Application layer functions typically include identifying communication partners, determining resource availability, and synchronizing communication. When identifying communication partners, the application layer determines the identity and availability of communication partners for an application with data to transmit. When determining resource availability, the application layer must decide whether sufficient network or the requested communication exist. In synchronizing communication, all communication between applications requires cooperation that is managed by the application layer. Some examples of application layer implementations also include:

On OSI stack:
• File Transfer and Access Management Protocol (FTAM)
• X.400 Mail
• Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP)

On TCP/IP stack:
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

LEARN MORE ABOUT Layer 7 of The OSI Model: Application Layer AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES

• Best Practices for Successful IP Address Management (IPAM) – White Paper
• Top Reasons Why Enterprises Must Automate DNS, DHCP and IPAM – White Paper
• Infoblox IP Address Management – Visibility, Control & Automation – White Paper

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