Which OSI layer is responsible for routing and delivering packets from source to destination across networks?

Which OSI layer is responsible for routing and delivering packets from source to destination across networks?

• A. Data Link (Layer 2)
• B. Session (Layer 5)
• C. Network (Layer 3)
• D. Transport (Layer 4)

Answer: (C)

Routing packets from a source to a destination across different networks is the responsibility of the Network layer. This layer handles how packets are forwarded between networks, using logical addresses (like IP addresses) and routing protocols to determine the best path. Routers operate at this layer, moving data from one network to another via those routes. In contrast, the Data Link layer is about moving data between devices on the same network segment using MAC addresses, the Session layer manages opening and maintaining communication sessions, and the Transport layer provides end-to-end delivery with reliability and flow control. So, for delivering packets across multiple networks, the Network layer is the appropriate one.

Routing packets from a source to a destination across different networks is the responsibility of the Network layer. This layer handles how packets are forwarded between networks, using logical addresses (like IP addresses) and routing protocols to determine the best path. Routers operate at this layer, moving data from one network to another via those routes. In contrast, the Data Link layer is about moving data between devices on the same network segment using MAC addresses, the Session layer manages opening and maintaining communication sessions, and the Transport layer provides end-to-end delivery with reliability and flow control. So, for delivering packets across multiple networks, the Network layer is the appropriate one.