Application Layer: In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, the application layer is the 7th layer, which interfaces directly with end-user software applications to manage network communications. It is responsible for high-level protocols such as HTTP for web browsing, FTP for file transfers, and SMTP for email. In the simpler TCP/IP model, the application layer is often conceptualized as layer 4, which encompasses the functionalities of the OSI’s application, presentation, and session layers. This topmost layer in the TCP/IP model enables user applications to interact with the network stack, ensuring that data is properly packaged for communication and interpreted upon receipt.
Categories: CC D4: Network Security | CCSP D3: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security | CISM D3: Information Security Program | CISSP D4: Communication and Network Security | Security+ D3: Security Architecture | SSCP D6: Network and Communication Security
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