Network-Layer Protocols
🌐 Network-Layer Protocols The network layer supports logical addressing, routing, and forwarding of packets. Several key protocols operate at this layer, each serving a unique function in enabling communication across networks. 📦 1. Internet Protocol (IP) The IP protocol is the primary protocol in the network layer, providing best-effort delivery of packets from source to destination. IP Versions: IPv4: 32-bit address; widely used. IPv6: 128-bit address; designed to overcome IPv4 exhaustion. Connectionless and unreliable by nature. Handles fragmentation and reassembly of packets. Example: IP delivers a packet from 192.168.1.1 to 8.8.8.8, regardless of the path it takes. ...