Which OSI Reference layer provides logical IP addressing for all devices that communicate over a network?

The Network Layer is responsible for providing logical IP addressing for devices communicating over a network. This layer facilitates the routing of data packets between different networks and is essential for ensuring that the data can be sent and received correctly between devices that might not be on the same local network.

In the context of the OSI model, the Network Layer establishes the paths for data transfer and handles packet forwarding through routers. IP addressing is critical at this layer because it assigns unique identifiers to each device, allowing them to locate and communicate with each other across the broader internet or various networks. This layer also distinguishes between devices with similar Physical or Data Link Layer addresses by utilizing IP addresses.

Other layers do not perform this logical addressing function. The Data Link Layer operates at a more localized level, managing physical addressing for devices on the same local network through MAC addresses, while the Transport Layer is focused on end-to-end communication and data integrity, and the Application Layer interacts directly with software applications but does not handle network addressing.