Which layer uses logical addressing to enable routing across multiple networks?

Which layer uses logical addressing to enable routing across multiple networks?

• A. Network Layer (Layer 3)
• B. Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
• C. Physical Layer (Layer 1)
• D. Presentation Layer (Layer 6)

Answer: (A)

Routing across multiple networks depends on assigning logical addresses that stay consistent regardless of the underlying hardware. This role belongs to the network layer. It provides logical addressing (like IP addresses) and uses routers to forward packets toward their destination across different networks, selecting paths through routing protocols and handling how packets are fragmented and reassembled as needed. The data link layer focuses on delivering frames within a single local network using hardware addresses (MACs), not on inter-network routing. The physical layer is about the actual transmission of bits, without addressing or route decisions. The presentation layer handles data formatting and representation, not routing. So, the layer that uses logical addressing to enable routing across multiple networks is the network layer.

Routing across multiple networks depends on assigning logical addresses that stay consistent regardless of the underlying hardware. This role belongs to the network layer. It provides logical addressing (like IP addresses) and uses routers to forward packets toward their destination across different networks, selecting paths through routing protocols and handling how packets are fragmented and reassembled as needed. The data link layer focuses on delivering frames within a single local network using hardware addresses (MACs), not on inter-network routing. The physical layer is about the actual transmission of bits, without addressing or route decisions. The presentation layer handles data formatting and representation, not routing. So, the layer that uses logical addressing to enable routing across multiple networks is the network layer.