---
tags: [internet, networks]
created: Friday, September 06, 2024
---

# Application Layer of the Internet Protocol

The final, topmost layer of the Internet Protocol suite.

![Data at the Application Layer](../img/application-layer-data.png)

The Application Layer is where we get to the protocols that describe the
behaviour of applications. All the preceding lower levels are effectively
**plumbing that enables applications to do the things they want accross the
internet**.

Whereas the lower levels facilitate communication accross the internet, the
Application Layer is concerned with achieving a specific task once the ability
to communicate is assured.

Application Layer protocols include HTTP, the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
(SMTP), and FTP.
