NETWORK LAYER

FUNCTION AND
RESPONSIBILITY
Network layers are part of network-to-network
connections that make the Internet possible. This
layer is the portion of the communications process
during these connections when packets of data are
sent between different networks. Learning about this
layer can help you advance your IT career and
explore specializations in this field. In this article,
we define the network layer, note the differences
between the internet and networks, explain networks
and all layers in a system, describe the layer's
functions, and review examples.
The network layer is a part of online communication that
connects and transfers data packets between different
networks or devices. As the foundation of the open systems
interconnection model, the layer manages and selects the
best logical path for data transfer between nodes. It assigns
source and destination internet protocol addresses to each
data segment.
The primary responsibilities of this layer are logical
connection setup, data forwarding, routing, and delivery
error reporting. The layer can either support connectionless
networks or connection-oriented networks. Encryption,
connection checking, and routing processes happen at this
layer and use
several different protocols, including:
 IP
 IPsec
 IPX/SPX
 ICMP
 IGMP
 GRE
Understanding this layer begins with seeing a network as
two or more connected computer devices. These devices
connect to a central hub, such as a router and include
smaller divisions of the network. Subnetworking allows IT
professionals to manage thousands of internet protocol (IP)
addresses and connected devices in large and geographically
distant networks.
Computers on a network may link through cables, radio
waves, telephone lines, infrared light beams, or satellites.
Common types of networks include a local area network
(LAN) or wide area network (WAN). Other network types
are wireless LAN, wireless WAN, and metropolitan area
networks (MAN).
Differences between networks and the internet
 Learning about this layer involves knowing the
differences between a network and the internet as both
often behave similarly. A network consists of computers
that physically connect and may share data with each
other in the layer structure and on the Internet,
technology links networks and can build a complex
network. Key differences include:
 Network coverage is limited while the internet covers a
large geographical area
 Networks link many computers and network-enabled
devices, and the internet connects many networks
 Types of networks are LAN, MAN, WAN, CAN, and the
internet type is the world wide web
 Networks link several thousand systems simultaneously,
and the Internet connects millions of computers at the
same time

 Networks need fewer hardware devices while the internet

requires a wide array of devices
Layers in a standard model
Layers exist in the open systems interconnection model.
This interconnection model is conceptual, a description of
how the Internet works, and allows different computer
systems to communicate using standard protocols. This
model is a universal language for computer networking
and splits a communication system into seven abstract
layers stacked on each other.
Functions that send data over the Internet involve those
seven stacked layers, with each relying on the other in
order.
 Each layer activity prepares data to move over cables,
wires, and radio waves as a series of sections. This
standardized model includes these layers:
 Application layer: This layer directly interacts with data
from the user and relies on protocols, including HTTP
and SMTP, and data manipulation to provide data.
 Presentation layer: Because layers stack in a certain order,
this layer prepares data through translation, compression,
or translation, for use by the application layer.
 Session layer: This layer opens and closes
communication between two devices and synchronizes
data transfer with checkpoints to prevent the loss of an
entire transfer owing to a crash or disconnect.
 Transport layer: The transport layer ensures end-to-end
communication between two devices by sending data in
sections to the next layer, reassembling these segments,
performing error control, and limiting transmission
speed.
 Network layer: This third layer facilitates data transfer
between two different networks by breaking up
segments from the transport layer into smaller units and
routes the data to its destination.
 Data link layer: Although much like the previous layer,
the data link layer is different because it facilitates data
transfer in small pieces called frames between two
devices on the same network.
 Physical layer: This layer involves the physical
equipment for the data transfer, such as switches and
cables, and where data converts into a bitstream as a
string of 0s and 1s.
Functions of the layer
The third layer's main functions involve providing the
means to transfer packets from a source to a destination
using one or more networks. Data is sent as packets or
small sections for reassembly on another computer. These
packets include a header that contains information about
the packet and the body, which is the data being sent.
At this layer, networking software attaches a header to each
packet and on the receiving end, networking software uses
the header to understand how to handle the packet. A header
includes information about the content, destination, and
source of each packet. This layer also carries out some of
these functions:
Routing
This function defines this layer as it selects the correct route
between the source and destination device to move data
across a series of interconnected networks. Incoming
packets come from various sources, with this layer in the
network
determining their final destination and the route they
can take. The best path provides the least delay and
greatest available bandwidth.
Logical addressing
Each device that communicates over a network
connects with a logical address. Logical addresses
do not depend on the hardware and are instead
unique across an entire connected network. For
example, you may access a network device by using
this layer's protocol to translate logical addresses to
an address you assign.
Datagram encapsulation
Another function of this layer is to encapsulate messages
from higher layers by placing them into datagrams, also
known as packets, under the layer header. This function is
much like writing a letter, placing it in an envelope with a
name and address, then giving it to a courier who places
that envelope in a larger delivery box. The IP is the place
where most data encapsulation occurs as data passes to the
IP from one of two protocols, TCP or UDP.
Fragmentation and reassembly
Fragmentation occurs in this layer when the size of a
packet, or datagram, exceeds the size of data that can be
held in a frame. This layer divides the package it receives
from the transport layer into fragments so that no
disruption happens in data flows. The reassembly of
fragments takes place at the destination because packets
take independent paths and may arrive out of order.
Error handling and diagnostics
Error handling and diagnostics are critical aspects of
this layer. For example, certain protocols at this
layer allow devices that connect logically, or that try
to route traffic, to exchange information about the
status of hosts on the devices themselves or on the
network. One protocol, Internet Control Message
Protocol (ICMP), handles errors and diagnostics.
Congestion control
Another function of this layer controls congestion
on a network device. These devices can only handle
so much data and congestion control lowers the
amount of data a device receives by slowing
sending activity. This function takes the form of
algorithms that control the entry of data packets into
the network and reduce the chances of a collapse or
errors in the network.
Examples of the layer
This third layer is at work during many
communications using computer systems. For
example, when messaging someone, this layer
assigns destination and source IP addresses to the
data segments. This layer finds the best paths for the
delivery of data between your IP address as the
source and the address of your friend, customer, and
colleague as the destination.