Which layer of the OSI model would you analyze if you are troubleshooting network connection issues?

Analyzing network connection issues typically involves looking at multiple layers of the OSI model, but the network layer is particularly significant because it is responsible for routing data between devices on different networks. This layer handles the logical addressing (such as IP addresses) and determines the best path for data to travel through the network.

When troubleshooting network connectivity, if devices can communicate locally but not across broader networks (for instance, from one subnet to another), examining the network layer would reveal issues related to routing protocols, packet forwarding, and addressing. Problems such as incorrect routing tables, IP addressing conflicts, or subnetting issues are often identified during analysis at this layer.

In a scenario of connection failures, particularly the inability to connect to devices outside the local network, it would be essential to inspect the network layer for problems like timeouts, unreachable hosts, or trace route failures that indicate where the communication fails. Thus, focusing on the network layer is critical when resolving issues that affect long-distance connectivity between separate networks.