210-250 · Question #74
At which OSI layer does a router typically operate?
The correct answer is B. Network. This question tests foundational knowledge of which OSI model layer routers operate at.
Question
At which OSI layer does a router typically operate?
Options
- ATransport
- BNetwork
- CData link
- DApplication
How the community answered
(56 responses)- A2% (1)
- B89% (50)
- C2% (1)
- D7% (4)
Why each option
This question tests foundational knowledge of which OSI model layer routers operate at.
The Transport layer (Layer 4) is responsible for end-to-end communication, segmentation, and reliability (TCP/UDP) - not routing between networks.
Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI model, using logical IP addresses to make packet-forwarding decisions between different networks. The Network layer is responsible for logical addressing, routing, and path determination across internetworks.
The Data link layer (Layer 2) is where switches and bridges operate, using MAC addresses to forward frames within the same network segment.
The Application layer (Layer 7) handles end-user application protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and DNS - not routing or addressing.
Concept tested: Router OSI layer operation - Layer 3 Network
Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/routers/12000-series-routers/47321-ciscoef.html
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