An IP address is assigned to each node on a network and is used by the network layer to uniquely identify nodes across multiple networks.

An IP address is assigned to each node on a network and is used by the network layer to uniquely identify nodes across multiple networks.

• A. False
• B. Only used at the Data Link layer
• C. Only for local networks
• D. True

Answer: (D)

At the network layer, an IP address serves as a logical identifier for a host, enabling routing across multiple networks. Each node gets an IP address so routers can forward packets toward their destination using that address. The data link layer handles local delivery with hardware (MAC) addresses, but inter-network communication relies on IP addresses to identify devices across different networks. Within a local network, there’s typically a mapping between IP and MAC (via ARP) for actual frame delivery, but the global function of IP is to support routing between networks. So the statement is true.

At the network layer, an IP address serves as a logical identifier for a host, enabling routing across multiple networks. Each node gets an IP address so routers can forward packets toward their destination using that address. The data link layer handles local delivery with hardware (MAC) addresses, but inter-network communication relies on IP addresses to identify devices across different networks. Within a local network, there’s typically a mapping between IP and MAC (via ARP) for actual frame delivery, but the global function of IP is to support routing between networks. So the statement is true.