- 2072 Kartik · 2 marks
Functions of network layer
Short answer
The network layer provides logical addressing, routing, packet forwarding, fragmentation/reassembly, internetworking, congestion control, and error reporting via ICMP. It moves packets across multiple networks from source to destination host.
What are the functions of the network layer?
The network layer moves packets from the source host to the destination host across one or more networks. Its functions are:
- Logical addressing: gives every host a unique IP address (network part + host part).
- Routing: selects the best path through the network using routing tables and routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP).
- Packet forwarding: receives a packet on one interface and sends it out on the correct interface towards the destination.
- Fragmentation and reassembly: breaks packets that exceed the link MTU into smaller fragments and reassembles them at the destination.
- Internetworking: joins different physical networks into one logical network.
- Congestion control: avoids too many packets in the subnet.
- Error reporting and diagnostics: ICMP reports unreachable destinations and expired TTL.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
Related questions
- Functions of data link layer · Computer Networks and Security, chapter 3 · asked 3×
- Why network layer is key layer · Computer Networks and Security, chapter 4
- Functions of physical layer · Computer Networks and Security, chapter 2
- Pavement layer functions and rigid pavement joints · Transportation Engineering II, chapter 2
- Pavement classification; flexible layer functions · Transportation Engineering II, chapter 2
- Current and voltage ratio transfer functions, 2 H and 3 H · Electrical Circuit Theory, chapter 5 · asked 2×
- Current and voltage ratio transfer functions, 2 H shunt · Electrical Circuit Theory, chapter 5 · asked 2×