Network Layer: Routing, IP Addresses, and Devices in Data Communication

What is the Network Layer responsible for?

moving packets between different networks.

What are logical addresses?

Addresses used by the Network Layer, specifically IP addresses.

Routing

Determining how packets get from source to destination across different networks.

Logical Addressing

Assigning IP addresses and subnetting.

Packet Forwarding

Sending packets to the next device based on routing table information.

Inter-network Communication

Enables communication between different LANs and WANs.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Connects a device to the network medium (wired or wireless) and assembles/disassembles frames for communication.

Bridge

Connects two or more physical network segments at Layer 2, minimizing performance loss and forwarding frames based on MAC addresses.

Switch

An advanced bridge with many ports that connects multiple nodes efficiently using MAC addresses.

Wireless Access Point (AP)

Allows wireless devices to join a network, bridging wired and wireless networks.

Routers

Key Layer 3 devices that forward packets between different networks using IP addresses.

Routing Tables

Tables maintained by routers to determine the best path for a packet.

Intermediate Networks

Networks used by routers to connect separate local networks.

Final Delivery

The process by which a packet is delivered to the specific host after reaching the destination network.

Host Addressing

Each device/interface gets an IP address with network and host parts.

Packet Traveling Between Networks

The process where routers move packets between networks when the destination is remote.

Layer 2 Device

Devices that primarily operate at Layer 2, such as NICs, Bridges, and Switches.

Layer 3 Device

Devices that operate at Layer 3, primarily routers.

Subnetting

The process of dividing a network into smaller, manageable parts.

VLANs

Virtual Local Area Networks that allow for segmentation within a network.

Collision Domains

Logical divisions in a network where packet collisions can occur.

Network Segments

Parts of a network that are connected by bridges or switches.