Netzwerkschichtenverschlüsselung

Netzwerkschicht refers to the Network Layer in computer networking, a concept defined by the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. This layer is responsible for logical addressing and routing of data packets across different networks. It sits between the Data Link Layer and the Transport Layer.

The primary function of the Netzwerkschicht is to enable devices to communicate with each other even if they are not on the same local network. It achieves this by using logical addresses, commonly known as IP addresses, which are unique to each device on a network. The Netzwerkschicht determines the best path for data packets to travel from their source to their destination across potentially multiple interconnected networks. This process is known as routing.

Key protocols operating at the Netzwerkschicht include the Internet Protocol (IP), which handles the addressing and routing of packets, and the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), used for sending error messages and operational information. Routers are the devices that operate at this layer, examining the destination IP address of incoming packets and forwarding them towards their destination based on their routing tables. Without the Netzwerkschicht, the global internet as we know it would not be possible, as it provides the fundamental mechanism for inter-network communication.