Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

The correct answer identifies that the Application Layer in the TCP/IP model encompasses the functionalities of Layers 5 to 7 of the OSI model, which comprise the Session, Presentation, and Application layers. This combination reflects how the TCP/IP model streamlines the structure of data handling within network communications.

To expand on this: In the OSI model, the Session layer is responsible for managing sessions between applications, the Presentation layer focuses on data translation and encryption, while the Application layer interfaces directly with user applications and provides network services. The TCP/IP model simplifies these roles into a single layer, recognizing that modern applications often perform these functions without the need for a strict segmentation of responsibilities.

This understanding is key for those studying network architectures, as it illustrates the evolution from the more hierarchical OSI model to the more practical TCP/IP model, which has influenced the development of the Internet and networking protocols. The consolidation found in the TCP/IP model reflects a move toward efficiency in network communication processes.