Implementation Manager (IM) Specialist CHTS Practice Test

Which OSI Model layer deals with IP Addresses and data packets?

1. Transport Layer

2. Network Layer

3. Application Layer

4. Session Layer

The correct answer is: Network Layer

The Network Layer is responsible for the handling of IP addresses and data packets within the OSI model. This layer is pivotal in determining how data is routed across different networks by utilizing addressing mechanisms, notably the Internet Protocol (IP). The primary role of the Network Layer includes packet forwarding, which involves directing packets from the source to the destination based on their respective addresses, managing traffic control, and ensuring data packets can travel over various pathways in an networked environment. While the Transport Layer does deal with end-to-end communication and can manage data transfer between devices, it operates above the Network Layer. It focuses on logical corrections and data flow control rather than directly managing the addressing and routing processes tied to IP addresses. The Application Layer is where user interaction takes place, involving software applications directly interfacing with the underlying network services. This layer does not handle IP addressing or packet routing. Lastly, the Session Layer manages sessions or connections, keeping track of how the applications communicate, but does not directly deal with IP addresses or the transmission of packets.