200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
Which OSI layer is responsible for logical addressing and routing?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Layer 2 (Data link) and Layer 3 (Network) by having candidates confuse MAC addressing (physical) with IP addressing (logical), leading them to incorrectly select the Data link layer for routing functions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Network layer
The Network layer (Layer 3) is responsible for logical addressing (e.g., IPv4/IPv6 addresses) and routing decisions that determine the best path for data packets across interconnected networks. Protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and ICMP operate at this layer to manage routing tables and forward packets between different subnets or autonomous systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Application layer
Why it's wrong here
Application layer provides application services.
- ✗
Data link layer
Why it's wrong here
Data link layer handles physical addressing (MAC).
- ✓
Network layer
Why this is correct
Network layer (Layer 3) provides logical addressing and routing.
- ✗
Transport layer
Why it's wrong here
Transport layer provides end-to-end communication.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.