NETWORK LAYER

The network layer is next. As you’d expect, this layer is all about managing the network, which is a dynamically rearranging, reconfiguring, and self-healing beast. To maintain a self-managing network, the network layer must constantly keep track of nodes joining and leaving the network. If the node is a coordinator, it assigns an address to a joining node. If the coordinator leaves, another full-function device assumes its role.

Routing and security functions for frames are also implemented at this level. The protocol options may differ between nodes, so the network layer also must configure the protocol stack appropriately. The application layer sets the stack configuration for the network layer below (e.g., security settings).