What is a Network Layer?
The Network Layer is the 5th Layer from the top and the 3rd layer from the Bottom of the OSI Model. It is one of the most important layers which plays a key role in data transmission. The main job of this layer is to maintain the quality of the data and pass and transmit it from its source to its destination. It also handles routing, which means that it chooses the best path to transmit the data from the source to its destination, not just transmitting the packet. There are several important protocols that work in this layer.
Data is transmitted in the form of packets via various logical network pathways between various devices. In the seven-layer open system interconnection paradigm, the network layer is the third layer. It offers routes for data packet transfers across the network. The network layer is also responsible for organising and controlling the available paths for data transfer.
Network Layer in OSI Model
OSI stands for Open Systems Interconnection. It was developed by the ISO – ‘International Organization for Standardization‘, in the year 1984. It is a 7-layer architecture with each layer having specific functionality to perform. All these 7 layers work collaboratively to transmit the data from one person to another across the globe.