Homonym: L4 (Networking)
L4, or Layer 4, refers to the transport layer in the OSI model, which is a framework used to understand network communication. This layer is responsible for the end-to-end communication between devices, ensuring that data is transferred reliably and in the correct order. It manages error detection, correction, and flow control, making it essential for effective data transmission.
Protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) operate at Layer 4. TCP provides reliable, connection-oriented communication, while UDP offers a faster, connectionless option. Both protocols play crucial roles in how applications communicate over the internet.