Network layer protocols
The protocols used by the network layer specify the packet format and its processing from one host to another host, in contrast to the transport layer (OSI Layer 4) which regulates the transmission of data between the program running on each host. The network layer can carry packets for many forms of communications between various hosts by operating without regard to the data carried in each packet.
There are two main data transport protocols utilized at the network layer. As follows:
End Devices in Network Layer
The network layer is the third layer of the OSI model. Handles transport layer service requests and forwards service requests to the data link layer. The network layer translates logical addresses into physical addresses. It defines routes from sources to destinations, manages traffic issues such as switching and routing, and controls packet congestion. The main job of the network layer is to move packets from the sending host to the receiving host.