The document discusses the OSI model, which is a standard networking framework that defines 7 layers of communication for data transmission between devices. It was developed by ISO in 1984 to establish a common way for diverse communication systems to interconnect. Each layer performs a specific task, with higher layers focusing on end-user services and lower layers handling physical transmission. Data is encapsulated as it moves down the layers and de-encapsulated as it moves up. The model separates networking functions to simplify design, debugging, and management.