What is the name of Layer 4 in the OSI model?

Layer 4 of the OSI model is known as the Transport Layer. This layer is crucial because it is responsible for end-to-end communication, reliability, and data flow control between hosts. It ensures that data is delivered accurately and in the correct order. Protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) operate at this layer, providing different methods for data transmission: TCP ensures reliability and error-checking, while UDP offers a faster, connectionless service with no guarantees of delivery.

Understanding the functions of the Transport Layer helps clarify how data is segmented, sequenced, and managed as it travels through a network, making it fundamental to effective communication in networking environments.