Definition

Network layer

In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the Network layer knows the address of the neighboring nodes in the network, packages output with the correct network address information, selects routes and quality of service, and recognizes and forwards to the Transport layer incoming messages for local host domains. Among existing protocol that generally map to the OSI network layer are the Internet Protocol (IP) part of TCP/IP and NetWare IPX/SPX. Both IP Version 4 and IP Version 6 (IPv6) map to the OSI network layer.

Related glossary terms: TP0-TP4 (transport protocols 0 to 4), physical layer, Transport Services Access Point (TSAP), Media Access Control layer (MAC layer), Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), data link layer, OSI (Open Systems Interconnection), CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data), presentation layer, Application layer

This was last updated in October 2006

Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Email Alerts

Register now to receive SearchNetworking.com-related news, tips and more, delivered to your inbox.

By submitting you agree to receive email from TechTarget and its partners. If you reside outside of the United States, you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Privacy

More News and Tutorials

Which OSI layers are network managers responsible for?

Learn which layers of the OSI model network managers should be responsible for. Our expert, Lindi Horton, explains where to focus your manual operations, especially regarding automated operation tasks.
How can I use a Layer 3 switch for voice routing?

Learn how to use a Layer 3 switch for voice routing in this expert response from a switch expert.
How do routers and switches differ in the OSI model?

Learn the difference between a switch and a router in relation to the OSI model in this Ask the Expert.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.

Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

Research More Tech Terms

Search thousands of tech definitions
Browse tech definitions
Browse Alphabetically:
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- J
- K
- L
- M
- N
- O
- P
- Q
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V
- W
- X
- Y
- Z
- #

Powered by WhatIs.com

File Extensions and File Formats

File Extension and File Formats List:

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
#

Powered by WhatIs.com

More from Related TechTarget Sites

Enterprise WAN
Unified Communications
Mobile Computing
Data Center
Networking Channel

Enterprise WAN
- WAN optimization, management and security: Putting the pieces together
  
  By searching for solutions that put WAN optimization, management and security together, enterprise IT can reduce company bottom lines and complexity.
- Five ways applications benefit from enterprise WAN optimization
  
  These are five ways enterprise WAN optimization technology helps overcome productivity and application issues organizations face in today's workforce.
- Optimizing WAN performance: Industry trends driving demand
  
  As the enterprise workplace is becoming more virtual and mobile, optimizing WAN performance to fit end user demands is more vital than ever.
Unified Communications
- All You Can Meet video bridge prices meet more users' needs
  
  Blue Jeans Network, which provides hosted video bridges, is delivering All You Can Meet video conference pricing plans to enterprises.
- What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?
  
  UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response.
- What's driving video interest and funding growth of video platforms?
  
  There are four drivers that are spurring video interest and funding the procurement of video platforms, says Nemertes Research's Irwin Lazar.
Mobile Computing
- Bringing BYOD to your enterprise
  
  Bring your own device (BYOD) can be a boon for both employees and enterprises, but clear policies and management tools are needed.
- Meeting technical requirements for mobile health care deployments
  
  IT departments deploying mobile health care solutions must ensure that using mobile devices in health care settings doesn't violate federal laws or compromise security.
- Making the call: Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless
  
  Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless solutions are two options to improve wireless cellular coverage within an enterprise facility.
Data Center
- Data center technologies evolve to meet tomorrow's computing demands
  
  VMware's upcoming public cloud and AMD's 64-bit ARM servers are technologies for the data center that exemplify the changes in the IT industry.
- New data center cooling strategies to improve efficiency, lower costs
  
  Stagnant strategies for data center cooling will keep energy bills climbing ever higher, but a more modern approach can bring them back down to earth.
- Converged systems usher in data center transformation
  
  The rise of converged systems has brought a new level of manageability to the data center, but these integrated offerings have a few drawbacks.
Networking Channel
- Aruba Networks Partner Program Checklist
  
  Value-added resellers and service providers interested in reselling Aruba networking hardware and software can learn the benefits of becoming an Aruba Networks partner with this standardized checklist. Compare Aruba's reseller partner program with other vendors' offering similar products.
- NetScout Systems Partner Program Checklist
  
  Learn the benefits of becoming a NetScout Systems reseller partner with our Partner Program Checklist.
- Visage Mobile Partner Program Checklist
  
  Learn the benefits of becoming a Visage Mobile reseller partner with our Partner Program Checklist.

All Rights Reserved,Copyright 2000 - 2013, TechTarget