Võrgukihis

Võrgukihis refers to a concept within Estonian, translating roughly to "network layer." This term is commonly used in the context of computer networking and the OSI model. The network layer is the third layer of the seven-layer OSI model, responsible for logical addressing and routing of data packets across networks. Its primary function is to enable devices to communicate with each other even when they are on different physical networks.

Key functionalities of the network layer include IP addressing, where each device is assigned a unique IP address to identify it on the network. It also handles routing, which is the process of selecting the best path for data packets to travel from their source to their destination across potentially complex network topologies. Protocols like the Internet Protocol (IP) operate at this layer. The network layer ensures that data can traverse intermediate networks, making internetworking possible. It works in conjunction with the data link layer below it, which handles physical addressing and error detection within a local network segment, and the transport layer above it, which manages end-to-end communication and reliability. In essence, võrgukihis is the foundation for global data communication.