The document describes the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model, which is an abstract description for layered communications and computer network protocol design. It divides network architecture into seven layers from the physical layer dealing with transmission of raw bits up to the application layer dealing with services for users. Each layer has specific responsibilities and concerns such as framing data, addressing, error control, and providing services like file transfer. The model is important for standardizing how network communication should work across different hardware and software platforms.