What does the abbreviation 'OSI' stand for?

The abbreviation 'OSI' stands for Open Systems Interconnection. This term refers to a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven abstraction layers. The OSI model helps in understanding and designing network communications by defining how different networking protocols interact and communicate with each other.

Each layer in the model serves a specific purpose and can operate independently. By breaking down the complex task of network communication into manageable components, the OSI model facilitates clear communication between devices from different manufacturers, promoting interoperability. The model's layers include physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application layers, which work together to enable data transmission across diverse networks.

The other options do not accurately represent the widely recognized definition of the OSI model, and using those terms would lead to misunderstandings regarding the framework's purpose and structure within networking standards.