The document discusses the OSI model, which is a 7-layer architecture for data transmission across networks. It describes each layer in detail, including the physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation and application layers. Each layer has a specific role, such as framing data at the data link layer, routing at the network layer, and providing end-to-end communication at the transport layer. The purpose of the OSI model is to standardize network communication and ensure interoperability between different systems. Though not implemented directly, it provides a framework for protocol design.