Assume that source S and destination D are connected through two intermediate routers labeled R. Determine how many times each packet has to visit the network layer and the data link layer during a transmission from S to D. A) Network layer – 4 times and Data link layer – 4 times B) Network layer – 4 times and Data link layer – 3 times C) Network layer – 4 times and Data link layer – 6 times D) Network layer – 2 times and Data link layer – 6 times

Official answer: C) Network layer – 4 times and Data link layer – 6 times. Explanation: During packet transmission across the network: 1. Source Host (S): The packet originates at higher layers and traverses down through the Network Layer (1st visit) and then the Data Link Layer (1st visit) to the physical medium. 2. First Intermediate Router (R1): The packet moves up through the Data Link Layer (2nd visit) to the Network Layer (2nd visit) for routing, then down through the Data Link Layer (3rd visit) to the next link. 3. Second Intermediate Router (R2): The packet moves up through the Data Link Layer (4th visit) to the Network Layer (3rd visit), then down through the Data Link Layer (5th visit) to the final link. 4. Destination Host (D): The packet moves up through the Data Link Layer (6th visit) to the Network Layer (4th visit) and finally to the upper application layers. Total visits: - Network layer: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4 times - Data link layer: 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 6 times Therefore, (C) is the correct option.

A) Network layer – 4 times and Data link layer – 4 times

B) Network layer – 4 times and Data link layer – 3 times

C) Network layer – 4 times and Data link layer – 6 times

D) Network layer – 2 times and Data link layer – 6 times

Computer Networks · Principles of Layering

Official IIT answer key · IIT Bombay · Audited Aug 2026

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GATE CSE 2013 Q14 · MCQ · 1 mark

Assume that source S and destination D are connected through two intermediate routers labeled R. Determine how many times each packet has to visit the network layer and the data link layer during a transmission from S to D.

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Key concept

Principles of Layering

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How GATE tests Principles of Layering

Principles of Layering in GATE CS evaluates fundamental understanding of the OSI/ISO and TCP/IP reference models, focusing on layer responsibilities, protocol data units (PDUs), and layer traversal mechanics. Questions frequently test header encapsulation, header visibility across intermediate devices (switches, routers, firewalls), and hop-by-hop versus end-to-end addressing. The topic consists predominantly of 1-mark conceptual MCQs/MSQs with occasional 2-mark multi-hop packet transmission delay calculations.

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Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.

Computer Networks · Principles of Layering

Official IIT answer key · IIT Bombay · Audited Aug 2026

Take topic test

GATE CSE 2013 Q14 · MCQ · 1 mark

Assume that source S and destination D are connected through two intermediate routers labeled R. Determine how many times each packet has to visit the network layer and the data link layer during a transmission from S to D.

Select an option to check

Key concept

Principles of Layering

Step-by-step verified solution

Examiner trap & misconception

Topic notes

How GATE tests Principles of Layering

Full Principles of Layering guide →

More on Principles of Layering

All 12 questions on Principles of Layering →

Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.

Assume that source S and destination D are connected through two intermediate routers labeled R. Determine how many times each packet has to visit the network layer and the data link layer during a transmission from S to D.

Step-by-step verified solution

Check you can still solve Principles of Layering under a clock

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More on Principles of Layering

Assume that source S and destination D are connected through two intermediate routers labeled R. Determine how many times each packet has to visit the network layer and the data link layer during a transmission from S to D.

Step-by-step verified solution

Check you can still solve Principles of Layering under a clock

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More on Principles of Layering

Assume that source S and destination D are connected through two intermediate routers labeled R. Determine how many times each packet has to visit the network layer and the data link layer during a transmission from S to D.

Step-by-step verified solution

Check you can still solve Principles of Layering under a clock

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Assume that source S and destination D are connected through two intermediate routers labeled R. Determine how many times each packet has to visit the network layer and the data link layer during a transmission from S to D.

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Check you can still solve Principles of Layering under a clock

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