OSI Model Network Layer: Primary Function and Fundamentals

What is the primary function of devices that operate on the Network Layer?

What is the primary goal of routing in the Network Layer?

What is the role of the Network Layer in addressing?

What is the feature of the Network Layer that enables dedicated connectivity?

What is the widely deployed Network Layer protocol that helps communicate end-to-end devices over the internet?

What is the role of the Network Layer in internetworking?

What is the feature of the Network Layer that enables different logical network designs?

What is the primary function of the Network Layer in terms of packet delivery?

What is the role of the Network Layer in terms of addressing schemes?

The Network Layer is the 3rd layer of the OSI model and is responsible for managing host and network addressing, sub-networks, and internetworking.

The primary focus of devices that work on the Network Layer is routing.
Routing tasks include:
- Addressing devices and networks
- Populating routing tables or static routes
- Queuing and forwarding data according to quality of service constraints
- Internetworking between different subnets
- Delivering packets to destination with best efforts
The Network Layer provides both connection-oriented and connectionless mechanisms.

Quality of service management
Load balancing and link management
Security
Interrelation of different protocols and subnets with different schema
Different logical network design over the physical network design
L3 VPN and tunnels can be used to provide end-to-end dedicated connectivity
Internet protocol is a widely deployed Network Layer protocol that enables end-to-end communication between devices over the internet.