Which layer handles IP addressing, routing, and packet forwarding across multiple networks?

• A. Layer 3 Network
• B. Layer 2 Data Link
• C. Layer 4 Transport
• D. Layer 1 Physical

Answer: (A)

The Network Layer is responsible for IP addressing, routing, and forwarding packets across multiple networks. It uses logical addresses (IP addresses) to identify hosts across different networks and relies on routers to determine the best path and forward packets toward their destination, potentially through many hops. The Data Link Layer handles delivering frames between devices on the same local network using MAC addresses. The Transport Layer manages end-to-end communication between hosts, including segmentation, reliability, and port numbers. The Physical Layer deals with sending raw bits over the actual transmission medium. So, for moving data between networks, the Network Layer is the correct one.