View source for N-entity

{{Short description|Active n-th layer element}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''n''-entity}}

In [[telecommunications]], a '''''n''-entity''' is an active element in the ''n''-th layer of the [[Open Systems Interconnection--Reference Model]] (OSI-RM) that (a) interacts directly with elements, ''i.e.'', entities, of the layer immediately above or below the ''n''-th layer, (b) is defined by a unique set of rules, ''i.e.'', [[syntax]], and [[information]] formats, including [[data]] and control formats, and (c) performs a defined set of functions. 

The ''n'' refers to any one of the 7 layers of the OSI-RM. 

In an existing layered [[Open system (computing)|open system]], the ''n'' may refer to any given layer in the system. 

Layers are conventionally numbered from the lowest, ''i.e.'', the [[physical layer]], to the highest, so that the {{nowrap|(''n'' + 1)}}-th layer is above the ''n''-th layer and the {{nowrap|(''n'' − 1)}}-th layer is below.

==References==
{{FS1037C}}

[[Category:Network architecture]]
[[Category:OSI protocols]]
[[Category:Reference models]]