OSI MODEL
NETWORK LAYER
| Application |
| Presentation |
| Session |
| Transport |
| Network |
| Data Link |
| Physical |
It is the network layer's job to figure out the network topology, handle routing and to prepare data for transmission. The network layer is concerned with the following primary functions:
- Communication with the Transport layer above.
- Encapsulation of Transport data into Network layer Protocol Data Units.
- Management of connectivity and routing between hosts or networks.
- Communication with the data link layer below.
Examples of network layer protocols include:
- Internet Protocol
- Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP or "ping")
- Internet Gateway Management Protocol (IGMP)
- IPX/SPX
<< data link
transport >>