Which layer of the OSI model requires routers and is responsible for packet forwarding?

The Network Layer of the OSI model is indeed responsible for packet forwarding and requires routers to perform its functions. This layer’s primary role is to manage the delivery of packets from the source host to the destination host across multiple networks, which involves routing and switching. Routers operate at this layer, using logical addressing (such as IP addresses) to determine the best path for data to travel through the network.

By facilitating the movement of packets across these networks, the Network Layer ensures that data can be transmitted even when there are multiple intermediary devices and varied paths involved. This layer’s services include routing, forwarding, and addressing, which are essential for establishing connections between different devices on different networks. Thus, the responsibilities of the Network Layer are critical for efficient network communication.