Final answer:
The OSI model consists of seven layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application. Each layer serves specific functions in the process of communication over a network.
Step-by-step explanation:
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to understand and standardize the functions of a telecommunication or computing system without regard to its underlying internal structure and technology. Its goal is to aid product developers to create digital products and software that can communicate and work together over a network.
- Physical Layer: Deals with the physical connection between devices and the transmission and reception of raw bit streams.
- Data Link Layer: Manages the node-to-node delivery of data, error detection and correction, and defines the protocol to establish and terminate a connection.
- Network Layer: Responsible for data routing, switching, and controlling the substrate necessary for data transfer between two different networks.
- Transport Layer: Ensures complete data transfer and error recovery. It ensures the proper delivery of packets.
- Session Layer: Manages sessions between end-user applications, i.e., the control of dialogues between computers.
- Presentation Layer: Transforms data into a form that the application layer can accept, handles encryption and data compression.
- Application Layer: The closest layer to the end user, which means both the OSI application layer and the user interact directly with the software application.