What layer of the OSI model deals with data representation?

The Presentation Layer is responsible for data representation within the OSI model. This layer plays a crucial role in translating, formatting, and presenting data in a way that the Application Layer can understand. It ensures that data is in a usable format and can handle conversion of data between different formats, including character encoding, encryption, and compression.

When data is exchanged between systems that may have different formats, the Presentation Layer ensures that the sender's output is transformed into a form that the receiver can interpret correctly. For instance, if one system sends data in a binary format and the other system expects it in ASCII text, the Presentation Layer takes care of the necessary conversion.

By managing these functions, the Presentation Layer facilitates interoperability between different systems and applications. This aspect of data representation is vital for effective communication in networked environments, illustrating the importance of this layer in the OSI model.