At which OSI layer is logical addressing utilized?

Logical addressing is utilized at the Network layer of the OSI model. This layer is responsible for determining how data is sent to the correct destination across multiple networks. It uses IP (Internet Protocol) addressing to uniquely identify each device on a network and to facilitate routing decisions through routers.

At this layer, devices can communicate with one another even if they are not on the same local network, as logical addresses allow for the distinction of devices across diverse network segments. This is in contrast to physical addressing, which occurs at the Data Link layer, where MAC addresses are used to direct frames within a local network segment.

The Transport layer focuses on end-to-end communication and data flow control rather than addressing, while the Physical layer deals with the actual transmission of raw bits over a physical medium. Thus, the Network layer is fundamental for logical addressing as it enables devices to locate and communicate across broader networks.