Which layer of the OSI model typically interacts with routing protocols?

The Network layer is the third layer of the OSI model and is primarily responsible for the routing of data packets between devices across different networks. This layer manages the addressing and routing of packets by using logical addresses, such as IP addresses, which are essential for enabling communication over the internet and between different networks. Routing protocols operate at this layer, allowing devices to determine the best path for data packets to travel from the source to the destination. Common examples of routing protocols include OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), RIP (Routing Information Protocol), and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).

The other layers, while critical to overall network functionality, do not directly handle the operations related to routing protocols. The Application layer focuses on software applications and user interfaces; the Transport layer ensures end-to-end communication and reliability of data transmission; and the Data link layer is concerned with the physical transmission of data over physical mediums, including framing and physical addressing. Thus, it is accurate to state that the network layer is the primary layer that interacts with routing protocols.