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Introduction

The OSI reference model describes a theoretical protocol stack that consists of seven layers of services and protocols. At the bottom, the concrete Physical Layer contains protocols that transmit bits over physical media. At the top, the abstract Application Layer contains programs such as electronic mail (e-mail).

The OSI model is not a protocol, but an abstract structure that describes the functions and interactions of various data communication protocols. It provides a conceptual framework that helps us discuss and compare network functions and components.

These protocols and processes work together in a layered arrangement. In computer networking terms, a layer is a process (or set of processes) that provides services to the next higher layer and uses the services of the next lower layer. Cooperating layers of protocols are called a "protocol stack" or a "protocol suite."

Click on the glossary link to search for multimedia definitions of IT terms.

 Course Credits

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