Within the OSI model, which layer is responsible for resolving a logical address (e.g., an abstract service address) to a logical name or presentation of that data for applications?

Introduction / Context:
The OSI model distinguishes between how data is transported and how it is represented to applications. Beyond routing and reliable delivery, higher layers provide naming, formatting, encryption, and translation so that disparate systems can interoperate meaningfully.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Question targets “logical address to logical name resolution” and representation for applications.
• OSI layering is assumed (not TCP/IP specifically).
• We must choose the most appropriate higher-layer role.

Concept / Approach:
The Presentation layer (Layer 6) provides translation between abstract syntaxes and concrete encodings, negotiates data representation, and interfaces with application naming/semantics. In many curricula, functions such as name binding and representing addresses as names for applications are associated with Presentation (and sometimes with the Session/Application split). Transport ensures end-to-end delivery; Data Link and Physical are below; Session manages dialogs rather than data representation and naming mappings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify that the task relates to representation/naming rather than delivery.Map representation and logical name exposure to Presentation layer services.Exclude lower layers focused on transport and framing.

Verification / Alternative check:
In practical Internet systems, DNS (application layer) resolves names to IP addresses; however, in strict OSI pedagogy, the Presentation layer is responsible for meaning-preserving transformations and name bindings visible to applications.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Transport: End-to-end delivery; not naming/representation.

Physical: Signaling; no awareness of names or addresses.

Data Link: Local addressing (MAC) and framing only.

Session: Dialog control, checkpoints; not address-to-name mapping.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming DNS-like functions must be “Application.” Exam conventions about OSI often allocate representation and naming bindings to the Presentation layer; follow the OSI-centric framing used in such questions.

Final Answer:
Presentation