
	Application layer


	Home > Networking Definitions - Application layer

SearchNetworking.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)

EMAIL THIS

LOOK UP TECH TERMS		Powered by:

Browse tech terms alphabetically:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Application layer

Show me everything on The OSI Model

- In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the application layer provides services for an application program to ensure that effective communication with another application program in a network is possible. The application layer is not the application itself that is doing the communication. It is a service layer that provides these services:

Makes sure that the other party is identified and can be reached
If appropriate, authenticates either the message sender or receiver or both
Makes sure that necessary communication resources exist (for example, is there a modem in the sender's computer?)
Ensures agreement at both ends about error recovery procedures, data integrity, and privacy
Determines protocol and data syntax rules at the application level

It may be convenient to think of the application layer as the high-level set-up services for the application program or an interactive user.

Learn more about The OSI Model

OSI -- Securing the stack: An OSI model security reference with links to tips in "OSI -- securing the stack" series.
Extending OSI to Network Security -- Chapter 1 of 'Hack the Stack': The goal of this chapter is to take the well-known Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) model and use it to present security topics in a new and unique way.
OSI model: Crash Course: The OSI model is the conceptual backbone of most enterprise networks, but do you remember all the details? Read our rundown of the OSI model and what all those layers do.
FastFacts on the OSI model: These resources will help you better understand the OSI model and all those layers in a snap.
The best of 2004: What was on your mind during 2004? We've compiled our most popular content for the year; browse through for a refresher on the technologies you'll need to carry you into 2005.
Understanding Layer 2, 3, and 4 protocols: This chapter excerpt explains the layers of the OSI model, switching, TCP, UDP, and VRRP.

LAST UPDATED:

14 Aug 2006

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web:

-	The Recommendation X.200...Open Systems Interconnection - The basic reference model can be ordered from the ITU-S.

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

RELATED CONTENT

	Which OSI layers are network managers responsible for? Learn which layers of the OSI model network managers should be responsible for. Our expert, Lindi Horton, explains where to focus your manual...
	What network monitoring tools monitor all OSI layers? To understand network monitoring in all Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers, view this expert response.
	How do routers and switches differ in the OSI model? Learn the difference between a switch and a router in relation to the OSI model in this Ask the Expert.

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS

Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary

ES-IS (WhatIs.com)
End System-to-Intermediate System (ES-IS) is a routing protocol developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as part of their...

FTAM (SearchNetworking.com)
File Transfer Access Method (FTAM), also known as File Transfer Access and Management or Electronic File Transfer Access Method (EFTAM), is an ISO...

Networking & Application layer Solutions

SEARCH

TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.


TechTarget Corporate Web Site \| Media Kits \| Site Map All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2010, TechTarget \| Read our Privacy Policy