The Application Layer is the topmost layer of the OSI model, which is a framework used to understand network communication. It provides the interface for users and applications to interact with the network. This layer is responsible for enabling software applications to send and receive data over the network, ensuring that the information is formatted correctly for transmission. Common protocols that operate at the Application Layer include HTTP for web browsing, SMTP for email, and FTP for file transfers. These protocols define the rules and conventions for communication, allowing different applications to work together seamlessly across diverse systems and networks.