What is Layering in networks and what are the OSI layers?

When computer networks evolved, all players designed systems to their standards. These systems could not interact with other systems. This restricted the efficiency that can be truly achieved of a computer network. So the governing bodies like International Telecommunication Union along with the International Standards organization decided to come together and devise a "Standard" for the computer networks.  This standard was to ensure that no matter who and where the components were designed (and built), those would still be able to communicate with other components seamlessly.

In this process the OSI model was proposed. OSI stands for Open System Interconnection. The OSI model breaks up the entire network into 7 layers. The idea behind layering is to distribute functions at different layers such that no single layer is responsible for the entire communication process. However, at the same time the lower layers are oblivious of the layers above and the upper layers use the lower layers for services. Hmm... confusing? Dont worry it will be simple in the next few lines.