presentation layer simplified

  Layer 6 Presentation Layer

De/Encryption, Encoding, String representation

The presentation layer (data presentation layer, data provision level) sets the system-dependent representation of the data (for example, ASCII, EBCDIC) into an independent form, enabling the syntactically correct data exchange between different systems. Also, functions such as data compression and encryption are guaranteed that data to be sent by the application layer of a system that can be read by the application layer of another system to the layer 6. The presentation layer. If necessary, the presentation layer acts as a translator between different data formats, by making an understandable for both systems data format, the ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation One) used.

OSI Layer 6 - Presentation Layer

The presentation layer is responsible for the delivery and formatting of information to the application layer for further processing or display. It relieves the application layer of concern regarding syntactical differences in data representation within the end-user systems. An example of a presentation service would be the conversion of an EBCDIC-coded text computer file to an ASCII-coded file. The presentation layer is the lowest layer at which application programmers consider data structure and presentation, instead of simply sending data in the form of datagrams or packets between hosts. This layer deals with issues of string representation - whether they use the Pascal method (an integer length field followed by the specified amount of bytes) or the C/C++ method (null-terminated strings, e.g. "thisisastring\0"). The idea is that the application layer should be able to point at the data to be moved, and the presentation layer will deal with the rest. Serialization of complex data structures into flat byte-strings (using mechanisms such as TLV or XML) can be thought of as the key functionality of the presentation layer. Encryption is typically done at this level too, although it can be done on the application, session, transport, or network layers, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Decryption is also handled at the presentation layer. For example, when logging on to bank account sites the presentation layer will decrypt the data as it is received.[1] Another example is representing structure, which is normally standardized at this level, often by using XML. As well as simple pieces of data, like strings, more complicated things are standardized in this layer. Two common examples are 'objects' in object-oriented programming, and the exact way that streaming video is transmitted. In many widely used applications and protocols, no distinction is made between the presentation and application layers. For example, HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), generally regarded as an application-layer protocol, has presentation-layer aspects such as the ability to identify character encoding for proper conversion, which is then done in the application layer. Within the service layering semantics of the OSI network architecture, the presentation layer responds to service requests from the application layer and issues service requests to the session layer. In the OSI model: the presentation layer ensures the information that the application layer of one system sends out is readable by the application layer of another system. For example, a PC program communicates with another computer, one using extended binary coded decimal interchange code (EBCDIC) and the other using ASCII to represent the same characters. If necessary, the presentation layer might be able to translate between multiple data formats by using a common format. Wikipedia

• Data conversion
• Character code translation
• Compression
• Encryption and Decryption

The Presentation OSI Layer is usually composed of 2 sublayers that are:

CASE common application service element

SASE specific application service element

Layer 7   Application Layer

Layer 6   presentation layer, layer 5   session layer, layer 4   transport layer, layer 3   network layer, layer 2   data link layer, layer 1   physical layer.

• Network infrastructure

presentation layer

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

What is the presentation layer?

The presentation layer resides at Layer 6 of the Open Systems Interconnection ( OSI ) communications model and ensures that communications that pass through it are in the appropriate form for the recipient application. In other words, the presentation layer presents the data in a readable format from an application layer perspective.

For example, a presentation layer program could format a file transfer request in binary code to ensure a successful file transfer . Because binary is the most rudimentary of computing languages, it ensures that the receiving device can decipher and translate it into a format the application layer understands and expects.

How the presentation layer works

Once the application layer passes data meant for transport to another device in a certain format, the presentation layer then prepares this data in the most appropriate format the receiving application can understand.

Common data formats include the following:

• American Standard Code for Information Interchange and Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code for text;
• JPEG , GIF and TIFF for images; and
• MPEG, MIDI and QuickTime for video.

Encryption and decryption of data communications are also performed at the presentation layer. Here, encryption methods and keys exchange between the two communicating devices. Only the sender and receiver can properly encode and decode data so it returns to a readable format.

The presentation layer can serialize -- or translate -- more complex application data objects into a storable and transportable format. This helps to rebuild the object once it arrives at the other side of the communications stream. The presentation layer also deserializes the data stream and places it back into an object format that the application can understand by the application.

The tool that manages Hypertext Transfer Protocol ( HTTP ) is an example of a program that loosely adheres to the presentation layer of OSI.

Although it's technically considered an application-layer protocol per the TCP/IP model , HTTP includes presentation layer services within it. HTTP works when the requesting device forwards user requests passed to the web browser onto a web server elsewhere in the network.

HTTP receives a return message from the web server that includes a Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions ( MIME ) header. The MIME header indicates the type of file -- text, video, or audio -- that has been received so that an appropriate player utility can present the file to the user.

Functions of the presentation layer

• ensures proper formatting and delivery to and from the application layer;
• performs data encryption; and
• manages serialization of data objects.

Editor's note: This article was republished in January 2023 to improve the reader experience.

Continue Reading About presentation layer

• What is the difference between TCP/IP model vs. OSI model?
• Data and file formatting

Related Terms

Dig deeper on network infrastructure.

What are the most important email security protocols?

file extension (file format)

network protocol

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)

Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI assistant, offers several promising features. Find out how to configure Copilot with Teams workflows...

With its AI capabilities, Microsoft Copilot provides several enhancements to Microsoft Teams functionality, including meeting ...

Organizations have ramped up their use of communications platform as a service and APIs to expand communication channels between ...

To keep corporate and user data safe, IT must continuously ensure mobile app security. Mobile application security audits are a ...

Dell continues to cut its workforce to become 'leaner,' as it repositions for changes in the enterprise PC market that are ...

Tap to Pay makes it possible to accept customer payments from an iPhone with no additional hardware. Find out the best use cases ...

AMD plans to acquire AI systems designer and manufacturer ZT Systems for $5 billion. AMD CEO Lisa Su said hyperscalers want more ...

Data center modernization offers a competitive advantage to organizations, along with maximizing hyperscale infrastructure. ...

Configuration files are vital for system deployment and management. Consider improving file management with proper planning, ...

Popular pricing models for managed service providers include monitoring only, per device, per user, all-you-can-eat or ...

Global IT consultancies take a multilayered approach to GenAI training by developing in-house programs, partnering with tech ...

IT service providers are upskilling a large portion of their workforces on the emerging technology. The campaign seeks to boost ...

Presentation Layer

Last Edited

What is the Presentation Layer?

Presentation Layer is the Layer 6 of the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model . The presentation layer structures data that is passed down from the application layer into a format suitable for network transmission. This layer is responsible for data encryption, data compression, character set conversion, interpretation of graphics commands, and so on. The network redirector also functions at this layer.

Presentation Layer functions

• Translation:  Before being transmitted, information in the form of characters and numbers should be changed to bit streams. Layer 6 is responsible for interoperability between encoding methods as different computers use different encoding methods. It translates data between the formats the network requires and the format the computer.
• Encryption:  Encryption at the transmitter and decryption at the receiver
• Compression:  Data compression to reduce the bandwidth of the data to be transmitted. The primary role of  data compression  is to reduce the number of bits to be transmitted. Multimedia files, such as audio and video, are bigger than text files and compression is more important.

Role of Presentation Layer in the OSI Model

This layer is not always used in network communications because its functions are not always necessary. Translation is only needed if different types of machines need to talk with each other. Encryption is optional in communication. If the information is public there is no need to encrypt and decrypt info. Compression is also optional. If files are small there is no need for compression.

Explaining Layer 6 in video

Most real-world protocol suites, such as TCP/IP , do not use separate presentation layer protocols. This layer is mostly an abstraction in real-world networking.

An example of a program that loosely adheres to layer 6 of OSI is the tool that manages the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) — although it’s technically considered an application-layer protocol per the TCP/IP model.

However, HTTP includes presentation layer services within it. HTTP works when the requesting device forwards user requests passed to the web browser onto a web server elsewhere in the network.

It receives a return message from the web server that includes a multipurpose internet mail extensions (MIME) header. The MIME header indicates the type of file – text, video, or audio – that has been received so that an appropriate player utility can be used to present the file to the user.

In short, the presentation layer

Makes sure that data which is being transferred or received should be accurate or clear to all the devices which are there, in a closed network.

• ensures proper formatting and delivery to and from the application layer;
• performs data encryption; and
• manages serialization of data objects.

• Introduction To Computer Networks
• Uses of Computer Networks
• Line Configuration
• Types of Network Topology
• Transmission Modes
• Transmission Mediums
• Bounded/Guided Transmission Media
• UnBounded/UnGuided Transmission Media
• Types of Communication Networks
• Connection Oriented and Connectionless Services
• Quality of Service(QoS)
• Network Layer
• IGMP Protocol
• Reference Models
• Digital Transmission
• Multiplexing
• Circuit-Switched
• Message-Switched Networks
• Packet Switching
• Error Correction
• Data Link Control
• Flow and Error
• Simplest Protocol
• Stop-and-Wait Protocol
• Go-Back-N Automatic Repeat
• Sliding Window Protocol
• HDLC Protocol
• Point-to-Point Protocol
• Multiple Access in DL
• Channelization Protocols
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Random Access Protocol
• Controlled Access Protocols
• Carrier Sense Multiple Access
• Transport Layer
• Telnet vs SSH
• UDP Protocol
• TCP - Protocol
• Introduction to Reference Models
• OSI Model: Physical Layer
• OSI Model: Datalink Layer
• OSI Model: Network Layer
• OSI Model: Transport Layer
• OSI Model: Session Layer
• OSI Model: Presentation Layer
• OSI Model: Application Layer
• The TCP/IP Reference Model
• Difference between OSI and TCP/IP Model
• Key Terms - Computer Network
• Session Layer
• Components of Computer Networks
• Features of Computer Network
• Protocols and Standards
• Connection Oriented and Connectionless
• OSI Vs TCP/IP

Presentation Layer

• HTTP Protocol
• FTP Protocol
• SMTP Protocol
• POP Protocol
• SNMP Protocol
• Electronic Mail
• MIME Protocol
• World Wide Web
• DNS Protocol

In this tutorial, we will be covering the Presentation layer of the OSI reference model in Computer Networks.

The presentation layer is layer-6 of the OSI reference model . This layer mainly responds to the service requests from the application layer(that is layer-7) and issues the service requests to layer-6 that is (the session layer).

This layer mainly acts as the translator of the network. Another name of the presentation layer is the Syntax layer.

The primary goal of this layer is to take care of the syntax and semantics of the information exchanged between two communicating systems. The presentation layer takes care that the data is sent in such a way that the receiver will understand the information(data) and will be able to use the data. Languages(syntax) can be different between the two communicating systems. Under this condition, the presentation layer plays a role as translator.

In order to make it possible for computers with different data representations to communicate, the data structures to be exchanged can be defined in an abstract way. The presentation layer manages these abstract data structures and allows higher-level data structures(eg: banking records), to be defined and exchanged.

We can say that the presentation layer may represent or encode the data in various ways (like data compression, data encryption). But the receiving device mainly decodes or converts the encoded message into its original form.

For the same data, the sender and receiver must need to agree upon a messaging format that is commonly known as the Presentation format.

Also, the presentation layer is a part of the operating system that mainly converts the data from one presentation format to another presentation format.

Protocols used at the Presentation layer

Given below are some of the protocols used at the presentation layer:

AFP(Apple filling protocol)

Secure Socket Layer(SSL)

FTP(file transfer protocol)

Lightweight Presentation Protocol(LPP)

SSH(Secure shell)

Functions of Presentation Layer

Translation: Before being transmitted, the information in the form of characters and numbers should be changed to bitstreams. The presentation layer is responsible for interoperability between encoding methods as different computers use different encoding methods. It translates data between the formats the network requires and the format of the computer.

Encryption: It carries out encryption at the transmitter and decryption at the receiver.

Compression: It carries out data compression to reduce the bandwidth of the data to be transmitted. The primary role of Data compression is to reduce the number of bits to be 0transmitted. It is important in transmitting multimedia such as audio, video, text, etc.

Design Issues with Presentation Layer

To manage and maintain the Syntax and Semantics of the information transmitted.

Encoding data in a standard agreed-upon way. Eg: String, double, date, etc.

Perform Standard Encoding on the wire.

• ← OSI Vs TCP/IP ← PREV
• HTTP Protocol → NEXT →

Computer Network

• Operating Systems
• Computer Fundamentals
• Interview Q

Physical Layer

Data link layer, network layer, routing algorithm, transport layer, application layer, application protocols, network security.

Interview Questions

• Send your Feedback to [email protected]

Help Others, Please Share

Learn Latest Tutorials

Transact-SQL

Reinforcement Learning

R Programming

React Native

Python Design Patterns

Python Pillow

Python Turtle

Preparation

Verbal Ability

Company Questions

Trending Technologies

Artificial Intelligence

Cloud Computing

Data Science

Machine Learning

B.Tech / MCA

Data Structures

Operating System

Compiler Design

Computer Organization

Discrete Mathematics

Ethical Hacking

Computer Graphics

Software Engineering

Web Technology

Cyber Security

C Programming

Control System

Data Mining

Data Warehouse

InetDaemon.Com

Free online it tutorials and internet training.

• Basic IT Tutorials
• Computer Tutorials
• Internet Tutorials
• Network Tutorials
• Satellite Tutorials
• Telecom Tutorials
• Web Tutorials

The OSI Model - Presentation Layer

Presentation layer.

The presentation layer handles the conversion of data between a Standards-based or platform independant formats to a format understood by the local machine. This allows for data to be transported between devices and still be understood.

The presentation layer performs the folowing functions:

• Communication with the application layer above.
• Translation of data conforming to cross-platform standards into formats understood by the local machine.
• Communication with the session layer below.

Examples of Presentation Layer Functions

• Conversion of a Sun .RAS raster graphic to JPG.
• Conversion of ASCII to IBM EBCDIC
• Conversion of .PICT on a MAC to .jpg
• Conversion of .wav to .mp3

< The Session Layer   |  Index |   The Application Layer >

Support InetDaemon.Com

Your email:

Free Training

Designed by InetDaemon  | Powered by Manage My Internet

• Artificial Intelligence
• Generative AI
• Cloud Computing
• CPUs and Processors
• Data Center
• Edge Computing
• Enterprise Storage
• Virtualization
• Enterprise Buyer’s Guides
• Internet of Things
• Network Management Software
• Network Security
• United States
• Newsletters
• Foundry Careers
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Member Preferences
• About AdChoices
• E-commerce Links
• Your California Privacy Rights

Our Network

• Computerworld

What is the OSI model? How to explain and remember its 7 layers

A tutorial on the open systems interconnection (osi) networking reference model plus tips on how to memorize the seven layers..

The Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) model is a conceptual framework that describes networking or telecommunications systems as seven layers, each with its own function.

The layers help network pros visualize what is going on within their networks and can help network managers narrow down problems (is it a physical issue or something with the application?), as well as computer programmers (when developing an application, which other layers does it need to work with?). Tech vendors selling new products will often refer to the OSI model to help customers understand which layer their products work with or whether it works “across the stack”.

The 7 layers of the OSI model

The layers (from bottom to top) are: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.

It wasn’t always this way. Conceived in the 1970s when computer networking was taking off, two separate models were merged in 1983 and published in 1984 to create the OSI model that most people are familiar with today. Most descriptions of the OSI model go from top to bottom, with the numbers going from Layer 7 down to Layer 1.

The layers, and what they represent, are as follows:

Layer 7: Application

The Application Layer in the OSI model is the layer that is the “closest to the end user”. It receives information directly from users and displays incoming data to the user. Oddly enough, applications themselves do not reside at the application layer. Instead the layer facilitates communication through lower layers in order to establish connections with applications at the other end. Web browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) TelNet, and FTP, are examples of communications that rely on Layer 7.

Layer 6: Presentation

The Presentation Layer represents the area that is independent of data representation at the application layer. In general, it represents the preparation or translation of application format to network format, or from network formatting to application format. In other words, the layer “presents” data for the application or the network. A good example of this is encryption and decryption of data for secure transmission; this happens at Layer 6.

Layer 5: Session

When two computers or other networked devices need to speak with one another, a session needs to be created, and this is done at the Session Layer . Functions at this layer involve setup, coordination (how long should a system wait for a response, for example) and termination between the applications at each end of the session.

Layer 4: Transport

The Transport Layer deals with the coordination of the data transfer between end systems and hosts. How much data to send, at what rate, where it goes, etc. The best known example of the Transport Layer is the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which is built on top of the Internet Protocol (IP), commonly known as TCP/IP. TCP and UDP port numbers work at Layer 4, while IP addresses work at Layer 3, the Network Layer.

Layer 3: Network

Here at the Network Layer is where you’ll find most of the router functionality that most networking professionals care about and love. In its most basic sense, this layer is responsible for packet forwarding, including routing through different routers . You might know that your Boston computer wants to connect to a server in California, but there are millions of different paths to take. Routers at this layer help do this efficiently.

Layer 2: Data Link

The Data Link Layer provides node-to-node data transfer (between two directly connected nodes), and also handles error correction from the physical layer. Two sublayers exist here as well–the Media Access Control (MAC) layer and the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer. In the networking world, most switches operate at Layer 2. But it’s not that simple. Some switches also operate at Layer 3 in order to support virtual LANs that may span more than one switch subnet, which requires routing capabilities.

Layer 1: Physical

At the bottom of our OSI model we have the Physical Layer, which represents the electrical and physical representation of the system. This can include everything from the cable type, radio frequency link (as in a Wi-Fi network), as well as the layout of pins, voltages, and other physical requirements. When a networking problem occurs, many networking pros go right to the physical layer to check that all of the cables are properly connected and that the power plug hasn’t been pulled from the router, switch or computer, for example.

Why you need to know the 7 OSI layers

Most people in IT will likely need to know about the different layers when they’re going for their certifications, much like a civics student needs to learn about the three branches of the US government. After that, you hear about the OSI model when vendors are making pitches about which layers their products work with.

In a Quora post  asking about the purpose of the OSI model, Vikram Kumar answered this way: “The purpose of the OSI reference model is to guide vendors and developers so the digital communication products and software programs they create will interoperate, and to facilitate clear comparisons among communications tools.”

While some people may argue that the OSI model is obsolete (due to its conceptual nature) and less important than the four layers of the TCP/IP model, Kumar says that “it is difficult to read about networking technology today without seeing references to the OSI model and its layers, because the model’s structure helps to frame discussions of protocols and contrast various technologies.”

If you can understand the OSI model and its layers, you can also then understand which protocols and devices can interoperate with each other when new technologies are developed and explained.

The OSI model remains relevant

In a post on GeeksforGeeks, contributor Vabhav Bilotia argues several reasons why the OSI model remains relevant, especially when it comes to security and determining where technical risks and vulnerabilities may exist.

For example, by understanding the different layers, enterprise security teams can identify and classify physical access, where the data is sitting, and provide an inventory of the applications that employees use to access data and resources.

“Knowing where the majority of your company’s data is held, whether on-premises or in cloud services, will help define your information security policy,” writes Bilotia. “You can invest in the correct solutions that provide you data visibility within the proper OSI layers once you have this knowledge.”

In addition, the OSI model can be used to understand cloud infrastructure migrations, particularly when it comes to securing data within the cloud.

And because the model has been around for so long and understood by so many, the uniform vocabulary and terms helps networking professionals understand quickly about the components of the networking system “While this paradigm is not directly implemented in today’s TCP/IP networks, it is a useful conceptual model for relating multiple technologies to one another and implementing the appropriate technology in the appropriate way,” Bilotia writes. We couldn’t agree more.

How to remember the OSI Model 7 layers: 8 mnemonic tricks

If you need to memorize the layers for a college or certification test, here are a few sentences to help remember them in order. The first letter of each word is the same as the first letter an OSI layer.

From Application to Physical (Layer 7 to Layer 1): 

• All People Seem To Need Data Processing
• All Pros Search Top Notch Donut Places
• A Penguin Said That Nobody Drinks Pepsi
• A Priest Saw Two Nuns Doing Pushups

From Physical to Application (Layer 1 to Layer 7):

• Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away
• Pew! Dead Ninja Turtles Smell Particularly Awful
• People Don’t Need To See Paula Abdul
• Pete Doesn’t Need To Sell Pickles Anymore

Related content

Top network and data center events 2024, main line health readies networks for 'at home' hospitals, juniper offers ai pricing incentives, education programs, 2024 global network outage report and internet health check, newsletter promo module test.

The first gadget Keith Shaw ever wanted was the Merlin, a red plastic toy that beeped and played Tic-Tac-Toe and various other games. A child of the '70s and teenager of the '80s, Shaw has been a fan of computers, technology and video games right from the start. He won an award in 8th grade for programming a game on the school's only computer, and saved his allowance to buy an Atari 2600.

Shaw has a bachelor's degree in newspaper journalism from Syracuse University and has worked at a variety of newspapers in New York, Florida and Massachusetts, as well as Computerworld and Network World. He won an award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors for a 2003 article on anti-spam testing, and a Gold Award in their 2010 Digital Awards Competition for the "ABCs of IT" video series.

Shaw is also the co-creator of taquitos.net , the crunchiest site on the InterWeb, which has taste-tested and reviewed more than 4,000 varieties of snack foods.

More from this author

What is a network router how ai networking driving its evolution, bgp: what is border gateway protocol, and how does it work, what is a virtual machine, and why are they so useful, what is a network switch and how does it work, what is zero trust network access, what is sd-wan, and what does it mean for networking, security, cloud, what is beamforming and how does it make wireless better, colleges expand vpn capacity, conferencing to answer covid-19, most popular authors.

Show me more

Highway 9 networks launches partner program to boost private 5g.

Small step towards green data center power tested in Dublin

The present and future of Zero Trust segmentation at Gray Television

Has the hype around ‘Internet of Things’ paid off? | Ep. 145

Episode 1: Understanding Cisco’s Converged SDN Transport

Episode 2: Pluggable Optics and the Internet for the Future

How to see how many days passed since the beginning of the Linux epoch

How to use the pv command

How to use the stat command

What is the OSI Model? Computer Networking for Beginners

In this article, you will learn about the core concepts of the Open Systems Interconnections (OSI) model in a simple and easy way.

As a developer, it's a good idea to learn how things work "under the hood". That way you understand what your code and the tools you use are actually doing.

But it might seem easier to rely on black box abstraction and ignore the inner workings.

A popular black box abstraction is the internet.

Sure, many of us probably know the basics of what the internet is and how it works. There is a client and a server and they simply "communicate" with each other using something called HTTP or HTTPS?

But that's the extent of most people's knowledge.

I'm not saying we shouldn't use abstractions – I'm just saying that we should have some basic idea about how things work.

This is why I'm writing this article: to demystify this black box to help you learn how computers communicate with each other over a network.

What is the OSI Model?

The Open Systems Interconnection or OSI model is essentially a reference system that lays out how computers communicate with each other over a network.

It was created in 1983 by representatives of telecom companies and officially standardized in 1984 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

It is divided into seven layers. Each layer has its own domain and receives data from the previous layer, while passing data to the next layer.

The seven layers are:

Application Layer

Presentation layer, session layer, transport layer, network layer.

• Data Link Layer

Physical Layer

If we think of it in coding terms, each layer is a class with some core functionality, and each class communicates with only the class above or below it.

Keep in mind that this is a reference model, meaning that we don't actually use it in real life. There is another model which is very similar to the OSI model but it encapsulates the first three layers and the last two.

This "real life" model is called the TCP/IP Model which is what the internet runs on.

But before we jump in and deal with each layer one by one, let's go over why should you learn the OSI model if it's not even used in real life.

Why Learn the OSI Model

During the past 20 years or so, the world has dramatically changed.

The internet came, the "web" came, and within the web ecosystem lots of things have changed. We started with simple HTML pages, then came JavaScript, and now we have all these frameworks and it sometimes feels so overwhelming.

But, you gotta remember this:

Learn the fundamentals, learn from first principles.

Let's take the web, for example, aside from all these changes we have seen during the past 20 years.

How the web works hasn't actually change much.

We still use the HTTP protocol.

It's true that the HTTP protocol has been updated, but not so much.

Even if we break down HTTP, it's made from TCP which also hasn't changed much.

My point is that you should stop looking at the shiny new things and focus on the fundamentals that these shiny new things are built upon.

For example, I remember when web sockets was a popular thing.

But if we break it down, they're based on the TCP protocol.

If you know TCP, you can easily understand how web sockets work and don't have to rely on black box abstractions.

I hope I've convinced on why you should learn from first principles. This not only applies to software engineering but to many other fields, too.

With that done, let's go over the seven layers of the OSI model.

The Seven Layers of the OSI Model

The application layer is where most software engineers work. And this is where your browsers lives.

But I'm not talking about concrete applications such as Chrome, Skype, or Outlook.

I'm talking more fundamental things, such as protocols.

For example:

• Your browser makes a request to a web server using the HTTP protocol.
• Your email app uses the SMTP protocol to send and receive emails.
• Without the DNS protocol, you would have to type 142.250.150.138 instead of google.com.

In a nutshell, the application layer handles the foundation that almost all end user applications use.

Once the client makes the HTTP request, the request itself get's passed down to the presentation layer (also called syntax layer).

This layer handles three main functionalities:

Encryption and Decryption

You don't want your data out in public, which is why smart people created the Transport Layer Security (TLS). It essentially encrypts your data.

It's also responsible for decrypting requests coming from other servers to be consumed by the application layer.

Serialization and Deserialization

These are some big words, but what they essentially mean is "translation".

We want to "translate" our data to forms that our application understands.

For example, simple data structures may be translated into "objects" that our JavaScript application understands.

On the other hand, if we want our data to pass down the layer, we would translate our object into simple data structures that could be understood in the lower layers.

Compression

This is a no-brainer: the fewer bits there are to send, the faster the request will be.

This is also one of the main functions of the presentation layer. Keep in mind this is a lossless compression meaning no information will be lost in the process.

Well to be fair, in the real world most of these things are done in the application layer.

This is why in the TCP/IP model the presentation layer is part of the application layer.

This one is a bit confusing. And in fact, I couldn't find many use cases for it.

The primary function of the session layer is to manage connections between client and server.

But what does that actually mean?

So let's say you want to go to google.com

To do that you first have to establish a connection with google.com, so you say "Hey server, what's up, I want to connect to google.com".

The server responds back: "Yeah, sure."

Congratulations, you have just established a connection with google.com's server and can freely send a GET request to fetch the page.

Long story short, this layer is used for:

• Opening connections
• Keeping connections alive
• Closing connections.

Now comes the reality check: in real life this pretty much does not exist and is part of the Transport Layer – which we'll discuss next.

This is where the interesting stuff happens.

The transport layer is usually defined based on the protocol that's being used.

The two most popular ones are :

• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

TCP is one of the main protocols in the internet suite. It is used on top of the IP (internet protocol) to ensure reliable transmission of packets.

TCP fixes many issues that arise when you use IP such as lost packets, out of order packets, duplicate packets, and corrupted packets.

You would use TCP in applications that require all packets to be error-free such as text messaging.

On the other hand UDP is stateless, meaning it doesn't save any state between the client and server It is also very light making it fast. But the downside is that it's not reliable, packets can go missing, get corrupted, and so on.

UDP is mostly used when you don't really care if you lose a few packets here and there, such as video streaming.

Also keep in mind that the data in this layer are called segments.

Long story short, TCP is reliable but slow, while UDP is unreliable but fast.

I don't really know why this is called the network layer.

It should be called the internet layer – because the most important protocol here is the Internet Protocol (IP)

What the IP basically does is it takes the segments from the transport protocol, and adds meta-data that helps identify where your client is in a local network.

Another function of the network layer is message forwarding, meaning that it sends your packets from network to network.

Data in this layer are called packets.

Data-Link Layer

This layer defines how data is transmitted between two systems.

It takes care of things such as how long two systems talk to each other, how much data can be sent, and what happens if there are any errors. All this is handled in the Data Link layer.

The data link layer is broken up to two sub-layers:

• Logical Link Layer (LLC) – This layer provides flow control, acknowledgment, and error handling in case things go wrong.
• Media Access Control (MAC) – This layer is responsible for assigning a unique id number based on your network card called a MAC address. Meaning no two devices have the same MAC addresses.

Packets are taken from the network layer, and are encapsulated with the addition of new headers for the MAC address of the client and server.

There is also another subset of data added at the end of the packet which is used for error detection. This is called the tail.

Once these meta-data are added, the data is now called a frame.

Finally this is the physical layer.

Don't get confused with the word physical – we are not only talking about wires.

Data can get transferred in many different ways such as radio waves or even light.

Unfortunately these ways of transportation do not know "frames", they only know bits.

The function of this layer is to simply transform frames into bytes (8 bits) and send them over some transport method (electricity, waves, light, and so on).

Finally our request will get transmitted to the server, and the server will go through the same process but in reverse.

In this article, you learned:

• That the OSI Model is a reference model on how two systems talk to each other over a network.
• We don't use this model in real life. Instead, we use another similar model called the TCP/IP model.
• The OSI mode is made up of seven parts, each with a specific function.

I hope you learned something today, and would like to thank you for reaching the end.

I plan to post snippets of content similar to this on Twitter, so if you're interested follow me @tamerlan_dev .

I'm ethnically Kazakh but I like to consider myself a citizen of the world (Border control doesn't like that).

If this article was helpful, share it .

Learn to code for free. freeCodeCamp's open source curriculum has helped more than 40,000 people get jobs as developers. Get started

• +971 (5) 281 10952
• info@networkwalks.com
• Cisco & IT Courses
• Cyber Security & Hacking Courses
• Premium Membership

Presentation Layer of OSI Model (Layer-6)

Presentation Layer is responsible for representation & formatting of data for session Layer in encapsulation process. It is the 6th Layer in the seven layer OSI Model after Session Layer. Presentation layer serves like a translator & takes care that the data is sent in such a way that the receiver will understand the information or data and will be able to use the data. OSI Model divides the network communication processes into seven layers in order to simplify it. Each layer performs specific functions to support the layers above it. This seven Layer model starts from Physical till Application Layer & Presentation Layer is on 2nd place in this model as in below figure:

Functions/Duties of Presentation Layer

Each Layer in OSI Model Performs some important duties. Important functions performed by Presentation Layer are listed here:

• The first & most important is, of course Data Formatting & Representation . When the presentation layer receives data from the application layer, to be sent over the network, it makes sure that the data is in the proper format. If it is not, the presentation layer converts the data to the proper format. On the other side of communication, when the presentation layer receives network data from the Presentation layer, it makes sure that the data is in the proper format and once again converts it if it is not.
• It is also responsible for Data Encryption/Decryption: Presentation Layer carries out encryption at the transmitter end and decryption at the receiver end to keep data secure during transmission.
• Data Compression/De-compression also falls under the responsibility matrix of Presentation Layer . Presentation Layer compresses data to a small size to reduce resource usage such as data storage space or transmission capacity.

*Encryption is typically done at this layer as well, although it can be done on the application, session, transport, or network layers, each having its own advantages and disadvantages

Presentation Layer Protocols

The OSI Model provides a conceptual framework for communication between computers, but the model itself is not a method of communication. Actual communication is made possible by using communication protocols. Each layer on the OSI Model has some protocols associated with it. Some important protocols on Presentation layer are listed in below:

• JPEG/GIF/PNG/TIFF

Network Equipment/Components at Presentation Layer

• Load Balancers
• End Devices e.g. Computers, Smart Phones, Servers, …

Presentation Layer is the 6th Layer in seven Layer OSI Model. It performs important functions like Data Formatting, Data Representation, Data Encryption/Decryption, Data Compression and De-compression. Important Protocols at Presentation Layer include ASCII, EBCDIC, JPEG, MPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, SSL & TLS. Equipment operating at Presentation Layer include Firewalls, Gateways, Load Balancers & Computers.

Now, test your knowledge on OSI Model using our free Quizzes & Cheat sheet resources for long term memory:

Networkwalks Summary Cheatsheets

Free Online Quizzes (Best for Cisco CCNA, Huawei HCNA, N+)

Follow our Facebook Page & YouTube Channel for more updated Cheatsheets & Quizzes :

Written by  Arman Hasen

Presentation layer and Session layer of the OSI model

There are two popular networking models: the OSI layers model and the TCP/IP layers model. The presentation layer and session layer exist only in the OSI layers models. The TCP/IP layers model merges them into the application layer.

The Presentation Layer

The presentation layer is the sixth layer of the OSI Reference model. It defines how data and information is transmitted and presented to the user. It translates data and format code in such a way that it is correctly used by the application layer.

It identifies the syntaxes that different applications use and formats data using those syntaxes. For example, a web browser receives a web page from a web server in the HTML language. HTML language includes many tags and markup that have no meaning for the end user but they have special meaning for the web browser. the web browser uses the presentation layer's logic to read those syntaxes and format data in such a way the web server wants it to be present to the user.

On the sender device, it encapsulates and compresses data before sending it to the network to increase the speed and security of the network. On the receiver device, it de-encapsulates and decompresses data before presenting it to the user.

Examples of the presentation layer

Example standards for representing graphical information: JPEG, GIF, JPEG, and TIFF.

Example standards for representing audio information: WAV, MIDI, MP3.

Example standards for representing video information: WMV, MOV, MP4, MPEG.

Example standards for representing text information: doc, xls, txt, pdf.

Functions of the presentation layer

• It formats and presents data and information.
• It encrypts and compresses data before giving it to the session layer.
• It de-encrypts and decompresses the encrypted and compressed data it receives from the session layer.

Session layer

The session layer is the fifth layer of the OSI layers model. It is responsible for initiating, establishing, managing, and terminating sessions between the local application and the remote applications.

It defines standards for three modes of communication: full duplex, half-duplex, and simplex.

In the full duplex mode, both devices can send and receive data simultaneously. The internet connection is an example of the full duplex mode.

In the half duplex mode, only one device can send data at a time. A telephone conversation is an example of the half-duplex mode.

In the simplex mode, only one device can send data. A radio broadcast is an example of the simplex mode.

Functions of the session layer

• It is responsible for terminating sessions, creating checkpoints, and recovering data when sessions are interrupted.
• It opens and maintains logical communication channels between network applications running on the local host and network applications running on the remote host.
• If a network application uses an authentication mechanism before it opens a logical communication channel (session) with the remote host, it handles the authentication process.

Examples of the session layer

Structure Query Language (SQL), Remote Procedure Call (RPC), and Network File System (NFS) are examples of the session layer.

By ComputerNetworkingNotes Updated on 2023-04-25

ComputerNetworkingNotes CCNA Study Guide Presentation layer and Session layer of the OSI model

• EtherChannel Load Distribution Explained
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) Explained
• Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) Explained
• EtherChannel Manual Configuration
• EtherChannel Basic Concepts Explained
• STP, RSTP, PVST, RPVST, and MSTP
• Similarities and Differences between STP and RSTP
• RSTP / RPVST Explained with Examples
• PVST/RPVST and EtherChannel Explained
• STP/RSTP Timers Explained

We do not accept any kind of Guest Post. Except Guest post submission, for any other query (such as adverting opportunity, product advertisement, feedback, suggestion, error reporting and technical issue) or simply just say to hello mail us [email protected]

• Data Structure
• Coding Problems
• C Interview Programs
• C++ Aptitude
• Java Aptitude
• C# Aptitude
• PHP Aptitude
• Linux Aptitude
• DBMS Aptitude
• Networking Aptitude
• AI Aptitude
• MIS Executive
• Web Technologie MCQs
• CS Subjects MCQs
• Databases MCQs
• Programming MCQs
• Testing Software MCQs
• Digital Mktg Subjects MCQs
• Cloud Computing S/W MCQs
• Engineering Subjects MCQs
• Commerce MCQs
• More MCQs...
• Machine Learning/AI
• Operating System
• Computer Network
• Software Engineering
• Discrete Mathematics
• Digital Electronics
• Data Mining
• Embedded Systems
• Cryptography
• CS Fundamental
• More Tutorials...
• Tech Articles
• Code Examples
• Programmer's Calculator
• XML Sitemap Generator
• Tools & Generators

Computer Network Tutorial

• Computer Network - Home
• Computer Network - Overview
• Computer Network - Applications
• Computer Network - TCP/IP
• Computer Network - OSI Model
• Computer Network - Transport, Network, & Application Layers
• Computer Network - Network Protocols & Network Software
• Computer Network - TopologiesTypes
• Computer Network - Hub
• Computer Network - Routing
• Computer Network - Routers
• Computer Network - Dynamic Routing Protocols
• Computer Network - Router
• Computer Network - Populating a Routing Table
• Computer Network - Switches
• Computer Network - Layer 2 Switching
• Computer Network - Configure Cisco Switch
• Computer Network - ICMP
• Computer Network - ICMP Messages
• Computer Network - Addressing
• Computer Network - Classless Addressing
• Computer Network - IPV4 Addressing
• Computer Network - IPV6 Addressing
• Computer Network - Logical Addressing, Notations
• Computer Network - Classful & Classless Addressing
• Computer Network - Subnetting & Supernetting
• Computer Network - Network Address Translation
• Computer Network - FLSM & VLSM
• Computer Network - Line Configuration
• Transmission Computer Network - Modes
• Computer Network - Data Link Layer
• Computer Network - Physical Layer
• Computer Network - Network Layer
• Computer Network - Session Layer
• Computer Network - Transport Layer
• Computer Network - Application Layer
• Computer Network - Presentation Layer
• Computer Network - Coaxial Cable
• Computer Network - Optical Fiber
• Computer Network - Unguided Transmission Media
• Computer Network - Virtual LAN (VLAN)
• Computer Network - VSAN
• Computer Network - Multiple Access Protocol
• Computer Network - Random Access methods
• Computer Network - Aloha Network
• Computer Network - CSMA
• Computer Network - FDMA & TDMA
• Computer Network - CDMA
• Computer Network - Ethernet Technology
• Computer Network - Types of Network Topology
• Computer Network - Data Transmission
• Computer Network - Switching Techniques
• Computer Network - Transmission Impairment
• Computer Network - Synchronous & Asynchronous Transmission
• Computer Network - Intent-Based Networking
• Computer Network - Software-Defined Networking
• Computer Network - Wireless Personal Area Network
• Computer Network - Wireless Wide Area Network
• Computer Network - P2P File Sharing
• Computer Network - Packet Switching
• Computer Network - PGP - Authentication & Confidentiality
• Computer Network - PGP - Encryption & Compression
• Computer Network - Phishing Attacks
• Computer Network - ICMP Ping
• Computer Network - Pipelining in Packet Switching
• Computer Network - Plaintext Vs. Cleartext Encryption
• Computer Network - Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Computer Network - GPRS Architecture
• Computer Network - Identify & Prevent Phishing & Pharming
• Computer Network - Change MAC Address
• Computer Network - Network Administrator Vs. Network Engineer

Difference B/W Articles

• Computer Network - Phishing & Pharming
• Computer Network - Ping Vs. Traceroute
• Computer Network - Network Vs. System Administrator
• Computer Network - Network & Application Layer Protocols
• Computer Network - Network Security Vs. Network Administration
• Computer Network - Network Vs. Internet
• Computer Network - PDH Vs. SDH
• Computer Network - PCI Vs. PCI express
• Computer Network - PCI-E Vs. PCI-X
• Computer Network - OT Vs. IT Networks

Computer Network Practice

• Computer Network - MCQs
• Computer Network - Aptitude Questions

Advertisement

Home » Computer Network

Presentation Layer: What It Is, Design Issues, Functionalities

Description and Functions of Presentation Layer in the OSI model: In this tutorial, we are going to learn what the Presentation layer is and the Functions of the Presentation Layer in the OSI model in Computer Networking. We will also discuss the Design issues with the Presentation Layer and the working of the Presentation Layer with the help of its diagram. By Monika Jha Last updated : May 05, 2023

What is Presentation Layer?

The Presentation Layer is concerned with the syntax and semantics of the information exchanged between two communicating devices.

• The presentation layer takes care that the data is sent in that way the receiver of the data will understand the information (data) and will be able to use the data.
• Languages that are syntax can be different from the two communicating machines. In this condition, the presentation layer plays the role of translator between them.
• It is possible for two machines to communicate with different data representations, data structures to be exchanged can be defined in an abstract way.
• These abstract data structures will be managed by the presentation layer and this layer allows higher-level data structures (For example banking records), to be defined and exchanged.

This figure shows the relationship of the presentation layer to the session layer and application layer.

Design Issues with Presentation Layer

The following are the design issues with presentation layer:

• To manage and maintain the Syntax and Semantics of the information transmitted.
• Encoding data in a standard agreed-upon way just like a string, double, date, etc.
• It Performs Standard Encoding scheme on the wire.

Functionalities of the Presentation Layer

Specific functionalities of the presentation layer are as follows:

1. Translation

• The processes or running programs in two machines are usually exchanging the information in the form of numbers, character strings and so on before being transmitted. The information should be changed to bitstreams because different computers use different encoding schemes.
• The Presentation layer is responsible for compatibility between these encoding methods.
• The Presentation layer at the sender's side changes the information from its sender dependent format.
• The Presentation layer at the receiving machine changes the common format into its receivers dependent format.

Example: Convert ASCII code to EBCDIC code.

2. Encryption

• The system must be able to assure privacy regarding the message or information as it also carries sensitive information.
• Encryption means that the sender transforms the original information or message to another form, this data after encryption is known as the ciphertext and this ciphertext sends the resulting message out over the network.
• Decryption concerned with the transform of the message back to its original form. This decrypted data is known as plain text.

3. Compression

• Data Compression means reduces the number of bits to be transmitted by this reduce the bandwidth of the data.
• Data Compression becomes particularly important in the transmission of multimedia such as audio, video, text, etc.

Related Tutorials

• IPV4 Addressing | Classful and Classless Addressing
• Subnetting and Supernetting in Computer Network
• Network Address Translation (NAT) in Computer Network
• Fixed Length and Variable Length Subnet Mask (FLSM & VLSM)
• Line Configuration in Computer Network
• Transmission Modes in Computer Network
• Data Link Layer: What It Is, Sublayers, Design Issues, Functions
• Physical Layer: What It Is, Design Issues, Functions
• Network Layer: What It Is, Design Issues, Responsibilities
• Session Layer: What It Is, Design Issues, Functionalities
• Transport Layer: What It Is, Design Issues, Functions, and Example
• Optical Fiber (Fiber Optics) in Computer Network
• Unguided Transmission Media in Computer Network
• Virtual LAN (VLAN) in Computer Network
• Virtual Storage Area Networking (VSAN)

Comments and Discussions!

Load comments ↻

• Marketing MCQs
• Blockchain MCQs
• Artificial Intelligence MCQs
• Data Analytics & Visualization MCQs
• Python MCQs
• C++ Programs
• Python Programs
• Java Programs
• D.S. Programs
• Golang Programs
• C# Programs
• JavaScript Examples
• jQuery Examples
• CSS Examples
• C++ Tutorial
• Python Tutorial
• ML/AI Tutorial
• MIS Tutorial
• Software Engineering Tutorial
• Scala Tutorial
• Privacy policy
• Certificates
• Content Writers of the Month

Copyright © 2024 www.includehelp.com. All rights reserved.

Presentation Layer: Protocols, Examples, Services | Functions of Presentation Layer

Presentation Layer is the 6th layer in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model where all application programmer consider data structure and presentation, beyond of simply sending the data into form of datagram otherwise packets in between the hosts. Now, we will explain about what is presentation layer with its protocols, example, service ; involving with major functions of presentation Layer with ease. At the end of this article, you will completely educate about What is Presentation Layer in OSI Model without any hassle.

What is Presentation Layer?

Presentation layer is capable to handle abstract data structures, and further it helps to defined and exchange of higher-level data structures.

Presentation Layer Tutorial Headlines:

Let’s get started,   functions of presentation layer.

Presentation layer performs various functions in the OSI model ; below explain each one – 

Protocols of Presentation Layer

Example of presentation layer protocols:.

Here, we will discuss all examples of presentation layer protocols; below explain each one –  

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) : MIME protocol was introduced by Bell Communications in 1991, and it is an internet standard that provides scalable capable of email for attaching of images, sounds and text in a message.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) : FTP is a internet protocol, and its main goal is to transmit all files in between one host to other hosts over the internet on TCP/IP connections.

Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) : This protocol is used to make connection with Usenet server and transmit all newsgroup articles in between system over internet.

Apple Filing Protocol (AFP ) : AFP protocol is designed by Apple company for sharing all files over the entire network .

NetWare Core Protocol (NCP) : NCP is a Novell client server model protocol that is designed especially for Local Area Network (LAN). It is capable to perform several functions like as file/print-sharing, clock synchronization, remote processing and messaging.

Network Data Representation (NDR) : NDR is an data encoding standard, and it is implement in the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE).

Tox : The Tox protocol is sometimes regarded as part of both the presentation and application layer , and it is used for sending peer-to-peer instant-messaging as well as video calling.

eXternal Data Representation (XDR) : This protocol provides the description and encoding of entire data, and  it’s main goal is to transfer data in between dissimilar computer architecture.

Presentation Layer Services

Design issues with presentation layer, faqs (frequently asked questions), what is meant by presentation layer in osi model.

Presentation Layer is the 6th layer in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model that is the lowest layer, where all application programmer consider data structure and presentation, beyond of simply sending the data into form of datagram otherwise packets in between the hosts.

What protocols are used in the presentation layer?

Can you explain some presentation layer examples, what are the main functions of the presentation layer, what are services of presentation layer in osi.

Presentation layer has a responsibility for formatting, translation, and delivery of the information for getting to process otherwise display .

Now, i hope that you have completely learnt about what is presentation layer with its protocols, example, service ; involving with major functions of presentation Layer with ease. If this post is useful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: Data Link Layer: Protocols, Examples | Functions of Data Link Layer

Related posts.

OSI: Layer 6 – Presentation

The presentation layer is the sixth layer (layer 6) of the seven-layer OSI model. The presentation layer is responsible for the delivery and formatting of information to the application layer for further processing or presentation to the user. It relieves the application layer from the responsibility in data representation .

This layer may translate data from a format used by the application layer into a common format at the source system. The presentation layer at the target system may re-translate the format into another appropriate format for its application layer.

Presentation Services

The presentation layer provides the following services and functions . These functions ensure that information sent from the application layer of one system will be readable by the application layer of another system.

• Character code translation – i.e. ASCII to EBCDIC
• Data conversion and format – the use of standard image, sound, and video formats
• Data compression – de-duplicates the number of bits that need to be transmitted on the network
• Data encryption – encrypt data for security purposes

Some of the protocols that function at this layer include:

• Apple Filing Protocol (AFP)
• Independent Computing Architecture (ICA)
• Lightweight Presentation Protocol (LPP)
• NetWare Core Protocol (NCP)
• Network Data Representation (NDR)
• eXternal Data Representation (XDR)
• X.25 Packet Assembler/Disassembler Protocol (PAD)

Related Posts

Working with Operators in ASP

Metadata Cleanup for Active Directory 2000/2003

jQuery Blur Event

SQL CREATE TABLE Statement

What is an SOA Record in DNS?

DHCP Reservation Limitations in Windows 2008 R2

About the author, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Paul is a passionate programmer who enjoys writing about all things technical. He likes getting into the nitty-gritty of technology and describing it in a way that anybody can understand.

What Is Synacor YouTube TV?

Why Did Apbassing Quit YouTube?

How To Upload MP3 to YouTube

How to Install RSAT on Windows Server 2008 R2

jQuery Selectors

What are Active Directory Global Catalog Servers?

• Engineering Mathematics
• Discrete Mathematics
• Operating System
• Computer Networks
• Digital Logic and Design
• C Programming
• Data Structures
• Theory of Computation
• Compiler Design
• Computer Org and Architecture

Design Issues in Presentation Layer

The syntax and the semantics of the information exchanged between two communication systems is managed by the presentation layer of the OSI Model .

Before going through the design issues in the presentation layer, some of its main functions are:

• Translation – It is necessary that the information which is in the form of numbers, characters and symbols needs to be changed to the bit streams. The presentation layer handles the different encoding methods used by different machines .It manages the translation of data between the format of network requires and computer.
• Encryption – The data encryption at the transmission end as well as the decryption at the receiver end is managed by the presentation layer.
• Compression – In order to reduce the number of bits to be transmitted, the presentation layer performs the data compression. It increases efficiency in case of multimedia files such as audio, video etc.

Design issues with Presentation Layer :

• Standard way of encoding data – The presentation layer follows a standard way to encode data when it needs to be transmitted. This encoded data is represented as character strings, integers, floating point numbers, and data structures composed of simple components. It is handled differently by different machines based on the encoding methods followed by them.
• Maintaining the Syntax and Semantics of distributed information – The presentation layer manages and maintains the syntax as well as logic and meaning of the information that is distributed.
• Standard Encoding on the wire – The data structures that are defined to be exchanged need to be abstract along with the standard encoding to be used “on the wire”.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads, improve your coding skills with practice.

What kind of Experience do you want to share?