Some Seven Layer Models

 OSI Model Cookies Casserole Dip Cocktail
Layer 7  Application  Coconut  Grated Cheese  Chopped Tomatoes  Sweet Cream
Layer 6  Presentation  Condensed Milk  Tomato Sauce  Olives  Brandy
Layer 5  Session  Nuts  Green Pepper  Green Onions  Green Chartreuse
Layer 4  Transport  Butterscotch Chips  Onion Cheese  White Creme de Cacao
Layer 3  Network  Chocolate Chips  Ground Beef  Guacamole  Creme de Cassis
Layer 2  Data Link  Crumbs  Corn  Sour Cream  Yellow Chartreuse
Layer 1  Physical  Butter  Rice Bean Dip mixed with Picante Sauce  Grenadine

What do we learn from this? Almost nothing. Mostly, I just love thinking of the application layer as the coconut layer and the physical layer as the butter layer.  But we may note that in food as in networking, it's the middle layers that are more-or-less optional. I mean, you can't have a ground beef casserole without the grated cheese, and a seven-layer bar without coconut on top is a different thing (admittedly, in some people's eyes, superior). But you can fiddle with those middle layers a bunch. 

Also, if you want to throw a party for a bunch of networking geeks, well, now you know what to serve.

A note: I  couldn't actually find any seven-layer cocktail recipes. This is a relatively classic six-layer pousse-café with cream on top. If you wish to create your own OSI model cocktail here is a list of specific gravities although I note that it disagrees with the recipe above about grenadine, which it thinks is lighter than Creme de Cassis. Alas, this probably depends a great deal on your grenadine and your Creme de Cassis. As a metaphor for networking, this is totally unenlightening.

If you find that you would like your layers more cosmic and less edible, here is a guide to the seven levels of consciousness From which we learn that IP is at approximately the heart chakra, and should be bright grass green and involve a sense of loving another.

Or then again, try the seven levels of photographers in which IP is approximately a snapshotter.