|  | 10.1 | Importance of a Network Layer
| 10.1.4 | Layer 3 network devices
Internetworking devices that operate at OSI Layer 3 (the network layer) tie together, or interconnect, network segments or entire networks. These devices are called routers. They pass data packets between networks based on network protocol, or Layer 3, information. Routers make logical decisions regarding the best path for the delivery of data on an internetwork and then direct packets to the appropriate output port and segment. Routers take packets from LAN devices (e.g. workstations) and, based on Layer 3 information, forward them through the network. In fact, routing is sometimes referred to as Layer 3 switching.