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OSI Network Layer Concepts
As you learned in the preceding section, the Data Link layer deals with communication between devices on the same network. Physical device addresses are used to identify data frames, and each device is responsible for monitoring the network and receiving frames addressed to that device.

The Network layer handles communication with devices on logically separate networks that are connected to form internetworks. Because internetworks can be large and can be constructed of different types of networks, the Network layer utilizes routing algorithms that guide packets from their source to their destination networks. For more about routing and routing algorithms, see Chapter 6.

Within the Network layer, each network in the internetwork is assigned a network address that is used to route packets. The Network layer manages the process of addressing and delivering packets on complex networks.

Further Information