In some illustration and page layout applications, Layer is an onscreen sheet on which one can place text or graphics so that they are independent of any text or graphics on other sheets. They can be opaque or transparent.
In a computer network, Layer is a portion of the total network architecture that is differentiated from other parts because it has a distinctive function, such as preparing data to be transmitted over the network’s physical media. Functionally differentiating layers aid network design and assigning standards, or protocols, to each. See OSI Reference Model, protocol stack.
Technipages Explains Layer
A layer is a stack because it is a vertical hierarchy of different levels connected to its preceding and succeeding layer. The layers work towards providing network capabilities. There is no standard number of layers for a network or program, TCP and IP have five layers while open system interconnections have seven layers. A layer is the arrangement of levels, in an open system interconnection (OSI) model.
There are seven layers in an OSI model, namely; Physical, data link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation and application layer respectively. There is an internetwork between the layers as control is passed from one layer to the other. The internetwork is done so that data is transferred from two different ends.
Layers can still be subdivided into three levels based on the similarity of what they do. The layers are media, transport and application with the lowest end of the layer dealing with the physical interaction of the hardware, and every other layer is an improvement over its preceding layer.
Common Uses of Layer
- A layer is a stack arrangement of different levels interconnected with each other, with each being an improvement over the last.
- Every layer is an improvement over the last layer, with each of the layers being different, no two layers are the same
- Command and control is passed between the layers, with each layer assuming command and control once data is passed to it.
Common Misuses of Layer
- The layer in a computer network are not related at all, as they are all different units.
