What layer of the OSI model do the protocols HTTP, FTP, and SMTP operate closest to?
Explanation
Answer: D - The protocols HTTP, FTP and SMTP operate closest to the Application layer of the OSI Model.
Key takeaway: The Application layer of the OSI model is responsible for allocating resources to applications, and managing the communications between these applications. The HTTP, FTP, and SMTP protocols, which all relate directly to specific types of applications, will all operate closest to the Application layer of the OSI model. More specifically, these protocols fit directly into the TCP/IP stack’s Application layer, but as both of the stacks have corresponding “Application” Layers, they are commonly related to the Application layer of the OSI Model.