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presentation layer

Show me everything on The OSI Model

- In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the presentation layer ensures that the communications passing through are in the appropriate form for the recipient. For example, a presentation layer program may format a file transfer request inbinary code to ensure a successful file transfer. Programs in the presentation layer address three aspects of presentation:

Data formats - for example, Postscript, ASCII, or binary formats
Compatibility with the host operating system
Encapsulation of data into message "envelopes" for transmission through the network

An example of a program that generally adheres to the presentation layer of OSI is the program that manages the Web's Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). This program, sometimes called the HTTP daemon, usually comes included as part of an operating system. It forwards user requests passed to the Web browser on to a Web server elsewhere in the network. It receives a message back from the Web server that includes a Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) header. The MIME header indicates the kind of file (text, video, audio, and so forth) that has been received so that an appropriate player utility can be used to present the file to the 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:

17 Apr 2007

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

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
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