Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

presentation layer
     
         The second highest layer (layer 6) in the {OSI}
        seven layer model.  Performs functions such as text
        {compression}, code or format conversion to try to smooth out
        differences between {hosts}.  Allows incompatible processes in
        the {application layer} to communicate via the {session
        layer}.
     
        Documents: {ITU} Rec. X.226 ({ISO} 8823), ITU Rec. X.216 (ISO
        8822).
     
        (1996-07-20)