CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsEasy
A network technician is troubleshooting connectivity and confirms that a router uses logical addressing to determine the best path to forward packets between different networks. At which layer of the OSI model does this addressing and path determination occur?
- ALayer 3 - Network
- BLayer 2 - Data Link
- CLayer 1 - Physical
- DLayer 4 - Transport
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Layer 3 - Network
The Network layer (Layer 3) handles logical addressing (IP addresses) and routing decisions between different networks. Routers operate primarily at this layer.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Data Link layer uses MAC addresses for local frame delivery, not routing between networks.
- C. Physical layer deals with raw bits and electrical/optical signals, not addressing.
- D. Transport layer manages end-to-end communication with ports, not routing paths.
OSI Layer 3 - Network
The Network layer is responsible for logical addressing and routing packets between different networks using IP addresses.
- Routers operate at Layer 3
- Uses IP addresses for logical addressing
- Handles path determination and forwarding decisions
Memory trick: 'Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away' - Layer 3 is Network, home of routing.