noun
lower level; lower layer
Computing term referring to a lower level in a hierarchy, such as network layers, software architecture, or data structures.
OSI参照モデルでは、下位層が物理的な通信を担当する。
In the OSI reference model, the lower layers handle physical communication.
このプロトコルは下位層のエラーを検出する。
This protocol detects errors in the lower layer.
階層 is a general term for 'hierarchy' or 'layer', while 下位層 specifically refers to a lower level within a hierarchy.
Compound of 下位 (lower rank) and 層 (layer).