Which layer of the OSI model does the FTP protocol operate on?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) operates at the Application layer of the OSI model. The Application layer is the topmost layer of the OSI model and is responsible for providing network services directly to user applications. It encompasses protocols that facilitate communication for various services, including file transfer, email, and web browsing.

FTP specifically is designed to enable the transfer of files between a client and a server over a network. It involves establishing a connection and managing the data transmission process, including the initiation, data transfer, and termination of the file transfer session. This makes it a clear example of an Application layer protocol, which directly interacts with software applications and is concerned with end-to-end communication process, rather than the lower-level transport or network tasks.

When considering the role of FTP, it's important to recognize that while it does utilize transport layer protocols like TCP to ensure reliable delivery of the files, the function it performs and how users interact with it is fundamentally at the Application layer, aligning it with other high-level protocols designed for user interaction.