At which of the following layers of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) and the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) work?

Question

Options

• AThe Physical layer
• BThe Data-Link layer
• CThe Network layer
• DThe Presentation layer

• A
  3% (2)
• B
  8% (5)
• C
  88% (57)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

C is correct because both ICMP and IGMP operate at Layer 3 (Network layer) - ICMP handles error reporting and diagnostics (e.g., ping), while IGMP manages multicast group memberships; both work directly with IP, which is the defining protocol of the Network layer.

A (Physical) is wrong because that layer only deals with raw bit transmission over physical media - no protocol logic exists there. B (Data-Link) is wrong because it handles node-to-node framing and MAC addressing (e.g., Ethernet, ARP), not IP-level control messages. D (Presentation) is wrong because that layer handles data formatting, encryption, and translation - far above where routing protocols operate.

Memory tip: Think "IP lives at Layer 3, and ICMP/IGMP are IP's helpers" - any protocol that rides inside an IP packet and assists IP functionality belongs at Layer 3 alongside it.

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