OSI Application Layer Concepts

OSI Application Layer Concepts

The Application layer of the OSI reference model is concerned with providing services on the network, including file services, print services, e-mail services, and database services, among others.

A common misunderstanding is that the Application layer is responsible for running user applications such as word processors. This is not the case. The Application layer, however, does provide an interface whereby applications can communicate with the network.

The Application layer also advertises the available services to the network.