The Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) was a product of the Open Systems Interconnection effort at the International Organization for Standardization. It is a way of sub-dividing a communications system into smaller parts called layers. Similar communication functions are grouped into logical layers. A layer provides services to its upper layer while receiving services from the layer below. On each layer, an instance provides service to the instances at the layer above and requests service from the layer below. An ANT engine completes the first four layers of the industry standard leaving application specific layers to the discretion of the developer. This level of integration allows for less network protocol work and more time for the application itself.