Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which layer of the TCP/IP model is responsible for the movement of data packets from source to destination?

1. Application layer

2. Transport layer

3. Internet layer

4. Network access layer

The correct answer is: Internet layer

The layer of the TCP/IP model responsible for the movement of data packets from source to destination is the Internet layer. This layer is essential for routing packets across different networks, using logical addressing (IP addresses) to ensure that data is sent to the correct destination. At this layer, protocols like the Internet Protocol (IP) operate to facilitate the addressing and forwarding of packets. The Internet layer is primarily concerned with the transmission of data across network boundaries, making it crucial for inter-network communication. It determines the best path for the packets to take and manages the encapsulation of these packets for transport through different network mediums, thus allowing devices on different networks to communicate effectively. Other layers have specific roles; for instance, the Application layer handles user interfaces and application services, while the Transport layer provides end-to-end communication, ensuring the reliable transmission of data segments. The Network access layer manages the actual hardware interfacing and transmission over a physical network medium.