Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for packet forwarding including routing through intermediate routers?

The Network Layer is responsible for packet forwarding, which includes routing data through intermediate routers. This layer is crucial for determining the best path for data to travel across varied network architectures. It handles logical addressing (such as IP addresses), ensuring that packets can traverse multiple networks and reach their intended destinations. The Network Layer encapsulates data from the Transport Layer into packets, manages congestion, and deals with packet routing through the use of various protocols, such as IP (Internet Protocol).

By managing these processes, the Network Layer allows devices on different networks to communicate effectively, forming the backbone of network connectivity across the internet and other systems. The routing decisions made at this layer are essential for optimizing data delivery, minimizing delays, and ensuring reliable connections between disparate systems.