- A
Application layer
Why wrong: Application layer provides application services.
- B
Data link layer
Why wrong: Data link layer handles physical addressing (MAC).
- C
Network layer
Network layer (Layer 3) provides logical addressing and routing.
- D
Transport layer
Why wrong: Transport layer provides end-to-end communication.
Question 275 of 1,000
200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security monitoring. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which OSI layer is responsible for logical addressing and routing?
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Transport layer
Why it's wrong here
Transport layer provides end-to-end communication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Logical addressing at the Network layer uses hierarchical IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1/24) to identify both the network and the host, enabling routers to build forwarding tables via dynamic routing protocols like OSPF (RFC 2328) or BGP (RFC 4271). A subtle behavior is that routers decapsulate the Layer 2 frame to inspect the Layer 3 header, then re-encapsulate the packet into a new frame for the next hop, which is why Layer 3 addressing remains unchanged while Layer 2 addresses change at each hop.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Monitoring — This question tests Security Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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