In the OSI model, what layer does a Router operate in?

A router operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model, which is the Network layer. This layer is responsible for packet forwarding, including routing through different networks. Routers determine the optimal path for data packets based on their destination IP addresses, making decisions on how to forward packets across interconnected networks.

Layer 3 is crucial for establishing logical addressing and providing paths for data to be transmitted across diverse network segments. By using protocols like Internet Protocol (IP), routers facilitate communication between devices that are not on the same local network, enabling data to traverse multiple networks seamlessly.

The other layers, such as Layer 1 (Physical) and Layer 2 (Data Link), handle different aspects of data transmission, focusing more on the physical connection and the local delivery of data within a local network, respectively. Layer 4 (Transport) is responsible for end-to-end communication and flow control, but it does not handle routing between different networks, which is why the router's primary function aligns with Layer 3.