Network Layer Protocols

Network Layer in Communication

There are several network layer protocols in existence; however, only the following two are commonly implemented as show in the figure:

• Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4)

• Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)

Other legacy network layer protocols that are not widely used include:

• Novell Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX)

• AppleTalk

• Connectionless Network Service (CLNS/DECNet)

Discussion of these legacy protocols will be minimal.