In which layer of the OSI model do routers operate?

Routers operate at the Network Layer of the OSI model, which is responsible for determining the best path for data packets to travel across multiple networks. This layer manages the routing, forwarding, and addressing of data, and is crucial for the transfer of packets between devices that may be on different networks.

At the Network Layer, protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP) enable routers to make decisions based on the logical addresses of the devices on the network. Routers analyze the destination IP address of each packet and use routing tables to forward the packet to its next hop on the way to its final destination. This functionality distinguishes routers from devices that operate at other layers, such as switches, which function primarily at the Data Link Layer, where they deal with frames and physical addressing.

In summary, the Network Layer's role in managing packet forwarding and addressing is why routers are classified as operating at this layer.