ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
Which OSI layer is responsible for logical addressing, routing, and forwarding of packets, and where does an IP address operate?
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
✓
Layer 3 – Network
Layer 3 (Network) handles IP addresses, routing, and packet forwarding.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Layer 2 – Data Link
Why it's wrong here
Layer 2 uses MAC addresses for node-to-node delivery within a single broadcast domain and does not route between networks. It is tempting because frames encapsulate IP packets, but Layer 2 is correct when the question concerns switching, MAC addressing or error detection on a local link.
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Layer 1 – Physical
Why it's wrong here
Layer 1 carries raw bits over the physical medium, defining voltages, cabling and signalling; it has no addressing or forwarding function. It is tempting because IP traffic ultimately traverses physical links, but Layer 1 is the correct answer only for questions about media, connectors or encoding.
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Layer 3 – Network
Why this is correct
Layer 3, the Network layer, handles logical addressing and path determination, with IP addresses operating here to identify hosts across networks. Routers forward packets between subnets using these addresses, satisfying the stem's requirement for routing and forwarding, unlike Layer 2's MAC-based switching or Layer 4's port-based delivery.
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Layer 4 – Transport
Why it's wrong here
Layer 4 provides end-to-end transport with ports, segmentation and reliability via TCP or UDP, not logical addressing or path selection. It is tempting because TCP and UDP carry IP traffic, but Layer 4 is correct for questions about ports, sessions or flow control.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.