Layer 8
Encyclopedia
Layer 8 is humorous Internet jargon used to refer to a nonexistent "user" or "political" layer on top of the OSI model
of computer networking.
The OSI model is a 7-layer abstract model that describes an architecture of data communications for networked computers. The layers build upon each other, allowing for abstraction of specific functions in each one. The top (7th) layer is the Application Layer
describing methods and protocols of software applications. It is then held that the user is the 8th layer.
Since the OSI layer numbers are commonly used to discuss networking topics, a troubleshooter may describe an issue caused by a user to be a layer 8 issue, similar to the PEBKAC acronym, the ID-Ten-T Error and also PICNIC
.
Political economic theory holds that the 8th layer is important to understanding the OSI Model. Political policies such as network neutrality
, spectrum management
, and digital inclusion all shape the technologies comprising layers 1-7 of the OSI Model.
An 8th layer has also been referenced to physical (real-world) controllers containing an external hardware device which interacts with an OSI model
network. An example of this is ALI in Profibus
.
A network guru t-shirt from the 1980s shows Layer 8 as the "financial" layer, and Layer 9 as the "political" layer.
, the 5th layer is analogously sometimes described as the political layer (and the 6th as the religious layer). This appears in RFC
2321, which is a humorous April Fools' Day RFC
published in 1998.
OSI model
The Open Systems Interconnection model is a product of the Open Systems Interconnection effort at the International Organization for Standardization. It is a prescription of characterizing and standardizing the functions of a communications system in terms of abstraction layers. Similar...
of computer networking.
The OSI model is a 7-layer abstract model that describes an architecture of data communications for networked computers. The layers build upon each other, allowing for abstraction of specific functions in each one. The top (7th) layer is the Application Layer
Application layer
The Internet protocol suite and the Open Systems Interconnection model of computer networking each specify a group of protocols and methods identified by the name application layer....
describing methods and protocols of software applications. It is then held that the user is the 8th layer.
Since the OSI layer numbers are commonly used to discuss networking topics, a troubleshooter may describe an issue caused by a user to be a layer 8 issue, similar to the PEBKAC acronym, the ID-Ten-T Error and also PICNIC
Picnic
In contemporary usage, a picnic can be defined simply as a pleasure excursion at which a meal is eaten outdoors , ideally taking place in a beautiful landscape such as a park, beside a lake or with an interesting view and possibly at a public event such as before an open air theatre performance,...
.
Political economic theory holds that the 8th layer is important to understanding the OSI Model. Political policies such as network neutrality
Network neutrality
Network neutrality is a principle that advocates no restrictions by Internet service providers or governments on consumers' access to networks that participate in the Internet...
, spectrum management
Spectrum management
Spectrum management is the process of regulating the use of radio frequencies to promote efficient use and gain a net social benefit.The term radio spectrum typically refers to the full frequency range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz that may be used for wireless communication...
, and digital inclusion all shape the technologies comprising layers 1-7 of the OSI Model.
An 8th layer has also been referenced to physical (real-world) controllers containing an external hardware device which interacts with an OSI model
OSI model
The Open Systems Interconnection model is a product of the Open Systems Interconnection effort at the International Organization for Standardization. It is a prescription of characterizing and standardizing the functions of a communications system in terms of abstraction layers. Similar...
network. An example of this is ALI in Profibus
Profibus
PROFIBUS is a standard for field bus communication in automation technology and was first promoted in 1989 by BMBF...
.
A network guru t-shirt from the 1980s shows Layer 8 as the "financial" layer, and Layer 9 as the "political" layer.
Similar pseudo-layers in the TCP/IP model
In the TCP/IP model, the 4-layer model of the InternetInternet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
, the 5th layer is analogously sometimes described as the political layer (and the 6th as the religious layer). This appears in RFC
Request for Comments
In computer network engineering, a Request for Comments is a memorandum published by the Internet Engineering Task Force describing methods, behaviors, research, or innovations applicable to the working of the Internet and Internet-connected systems.Through the Internet Society, engineers and...
2321, which is a humorous April Fools' Day RFC
April Fools' Day RFC
Almost every April Fools' Day since 1989, the Internet Engineering Task Force has published one or more humorous RFC documents, following in the path blazed by the June 1973 RFC 527 entitled ARPAWOCKY, which parodied Lewis Carroll's nonsense poem Jabberwocky...
published in 1998.