Network+ OSI Model Layers and Functions Flashcards

A network technician needs to configure a device that operates at Layer 3 and makes forwarding decisions based on logical addressing. Which device should they configure?

Answer: Router

Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network layer) and use logical IP addresses to make packet forwarding decisions.

Which OSI layer is responsible for converting data into a format that the application layer can understand, including encryption and compression?

Answer: Presentation layer

The Presentation layer (Layer 6) handles data translation, encryption, and compression to ensure the application layer can interpret the data.

A packet is traveling from a source host to a destination host. At which OSI layer does the packet's source and destination MAC address get added?

Answer: Data Link layer

The Data Link layer (Layer 2) encapsulates packets into frames and adds source and destination MAC addresses.

Which of the following protocols operates at the Session layer of the OSI model?

Answer: NetBIOS

NetBIOS operates at the Session layer (Layer 5), managing sessions between applications on different computers.

When data travels down the OSI model from the Application layer to the Physical layer, what is this process called?

Answer: Encapsulation

Encapsulation is the process where each OSI layer adds its own header (and sometimes trailer) as data moves down toward the Physical layer.

A switch uses a MAC address table to forward frames. At which OSI layer does a switch primarily operate?

Answer: Layer 2

Traditional switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link layer) and use MAC address tables to make forwarding decisions.

Which OSI layer is responsible for end-to-end communication, flow control, and error recovery between two hosts?

Answer: Transport layer

The Transport layer (Layer 4) provides end-to-end communication, flow control, and error recovery using protocols like TCP.