What primary function does the Network Layer serve in the Open Systems Interconnection reference model (OSI/RM)?

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The primary function of the Network Layer in the OSI reference model is to manage routing and forwarding of packets across multiple networks. It operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model and utilizes Layer 3 addresses, such as IP addresses, to facilitate communication between devices that may not be on the same local network. This layer is responsible for determining the best path for data packets to travel, which often involves navigating through various routers across interconnected networks.

By using Layer 3 addresses, the Network Layer can create logical addressing schemes that allow for the segmentation of networks into different routed segments. This capability is crucial for enabling scalable and efficient communication, as it ensures that data can be routed accurately across diverse network topologies.

In contrast, establishing sessions between communicating systems pertains to the functions of the Session Layer (Layer 5), managing data encryption is managed by the Presentation Layer (Layer 6), and defining how to physically transmit data is the responsibility of the Physical Layer (Layer 1). Each of these layers has distinct roles that contribute to the overall functionality of network communication, but it is the Network Layer that specifically handles the routing of data using logical addressing.

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