What is defined as a nonrouting host or node in an OSI network?

In the context of the OSI model, an end system is defined as a nonrouting host or node. End systems are the devices that are the source or destination of data in a network and include devices such as computers, workstations, and printers. These devices typically operate at the top layers of the OSI model, specifically the application layer, where user interaction takes place.

End systems do not perform the functions of routing data like routers or gateways, which are specifically designed to manage data traffic and direct packets between different networks. Instead, end systems are primarily focused on communicating with other end systems through established protocols. This distinction is important because it underlines the fundamental role that end systems play in a network's architecture, serving as the final destination for data rather than facilitating its movement across network segments.