Introduction
The OSI reference model's Network Layer is the third layer. The network layer is in charge of the subnet's functioning. This layer's primary goal is to transmit packets from a source to a destination through various connections (networks). It functions as a network controller and sends the signal across multiple channels to the other end.
The network layer guarantees that each packet gets from its origin to its ultimate destination, whereas the data link layer monitors the delivery of packages between two systems on the same network.
It also separates outgoing messages into packets and assembles receiving packets into higher-level messages. The routing challenge in broadcast networks is straightforward; thus, the network layer is generally shallow or non-existent.
Network Layer
There is no need for the network layer if two computers (systems) are linked on the same connection. However, if two systems are connected to separate networks (links) and connecting devices between the networks (links), the network layer is required to complete the source-to-destination delivery.
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Functions of the Network layer
The network layer, or layer 3 of OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) architecture, is responsible for transporting data packets through several hops or connections from the source to a destination. It also manages the subnet's operations.
The functions are detailed as follows:
- The network layer will receive data from the transport layer above, separate and wrap it into packets, and transmit it to the data link layer. The opposite operation is carried out when data is received.
- Packets are routed from the source place host to the destination host via the network layer. The routes might be based on static tables that are seldom modified or altered automatically in response to network circumstances.
- Sub-networks or subnets are used to divide large networks into smaller ones. The network layer is in charge of subnet operations. Routers are network devices that operate at this layer to forward packets between subnets or networks.
- The physical address is assigned locally by the lower levels. A logical addressing scheme is necessary to distinguish the source system from the destination system when data packets are transmitted to distant places. The network layer is responsible for this.
- When too many packets flood the subnets, this layer also offers congestion management measures.
- Transmission delays, transmission latency, jitter avoidance, and other challenges are dealt with at the network layer.
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