In networking, the Network Layer functions at layer 3 of the OSI model. It is primarily responsible for determining how data is sent to the receiver. This involves routing the packets of data across the network, managing the addressing system by assigning IP addresses, and ensuring the integrity of data being transmitted. The protocols that operate at this layer include Internet Protocol (IP), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), and others, which work together to facilitate these tasks efficiently in a large-scale and decentralized node-based infrastructure such as the internet or blockchain networks.