What happens at the network level?

At the network layer (Layer 3 of the OSI model):

• Packet routing: Determines the optimal path for transmitting data packets from sender to receiver in the network.
• Addressing: Uses logical addresses (IP addresses) to identify devices in the network.
• Fragmentation and reassembly: Packets can be divided into smaller parts (fragmentation) for transmission over networks with smaller maximum packet sizes, and reassembled on the receiving side.
• Logical network topology: Describes the connectivity and relationships between devices at the logical level, regardless of physical implementation.
• Packet transfer between different networks: Allows data to pass through routers and cross the boundaries of different networks.

Network layer protocols include IP (Internet Protocol), ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol), ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and others.