Which layer of the TCP/IP model corresponds with the function of determining the next hop in a path?

The Internet Layer of the TCP/IP model is specifically responsible for logical addressing and routing packets across multiple networks. This layer determines how packets are forwarded from the source device to the destination device, which involves making decisions about the next hop that the data should take along its path.

At this layer, protocols like Internet Protocol (IP) are used to provide the means for routing data. When a packet is sent, the Internet Layer examines the destination IP address and uses routing tables to determine the best next hop for the packet, which can be a router or another network device. This is essential in creating an efficient path across networks which may be interconnected through various routes.

In contrast, other layers serve different purposes. The Network Access Layer deals with the physical transmission of data over a network medium and has no role in making routing decisions. The Transport Layer is concerned with end-to-end communication and data segmentation, ensuring reliable data delivery, while the Application Layer interfaces with user applications and doesn’t manage network routing.