Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which layer of the OSI model specifies how routers communicate with each other on a network?

1. Network

2. Application

3. Data Link

4. Transport

The correct answer is: Network

The layer of the OSI model that specifies how routers communicate with each other on a network is the Network layer. This layer is responsible for routing packets of data between devices across different networks. It deals with the logical addressing of devices, which enables routers to determine the best path for data to travel from the source to the destination. Routers operate primarily at this layer, using protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP) to perform their functions. The Network layer's responsibilities include packet forwarding, addressing, and routing, which are essential for establishing pathways for data transmission within and between networks. Therefore, the Network layer is crucial in ensuring that data sent from one device successfully reaches another device, even if they are on different local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). In contrast, the other options pertain to different functions: the Application layer focuses on end-user services and software interactions, the Data Link layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and physical addressing, and the Transport layer manages end-to-end communication and data flow control. This distinction highlights the importance of the Network layer in facilitating inter-router communication and overall network connectivity.