Which layer of the OSI model is referred to as the Application Layer?

The Application Layer is the highest layer of the OSI model, designated as the seventh layer. This layer is crucial because it is the point at which end-user software interacts with the network. It provides users with network services such as file transfers, email, and browsing. By functioning at this level, it allows applications to communicate over a network without needing to delve into the complexities of the underlying layers.

Understanding the role of the Application Layer is essential for recognizing how data is formatted, transmitted, and processed when moving across the network to ensure that it meets the requirements of different applications. The specificity and functionality of this layer set it apart from the other layers in the OSI model, which focus on different aspects of communication, such as physical transmission, data routing, and session management.