How Does the Network Layer of the OSI Model Work?
The Network Layer is the third layer in the 7 layer Open System Interconnection (OSI) model and essentially deals with path determination and logical addressing. The Network Layer provides the procedural and functional means of transferring data sequences of variable length from a source to a specified destination using one or many networks. This is done whilst still maintaining the quality of service (QoS) requested by the Transport Layer. The Network Layer in essence provides network routing functions and sometimes perform fragmentation, reassembly and error reports. Network routers operate at the Network Layer; sending data throughout the extended network which is what makes the Internet possible.
