The network layer or layer 3 is where you would expect to find routers or possibly layer 3 switches. The network layer is the point where different networks can converge. Routing tables held on layer 3 devices are the path out of the network. If you look at your ipconfig information with the /all switch you will see an address given for default gateway. This will point to the router that is aware of all other networks or sub networks you have access to. In the home this is usually the inside or private address of your DSL or cable modem.
I understand some bridges operate at layer 3 as well.
At layer 3 Ethernet frames are formed into packets in preparation for routing between networks or sub networks.
Because the OSI layer is as implied open there are many examples of software and hardware that can operate at the network layer but router would be the best answer most of the time.
switch router hub
The Network Interface cards
NIC
error control and recovery flow control ppp(point to point protocol transfering from physical layer to network entities
Hubs and repeaters operate at the Physical Layer of the OSI Model. The Physical Layer is the first layer of the OSI Model.
Network Layer
distribution
In this situation Network Layer may not be required. Data Link Layer can handle communication process. If two devices are communicating from different networks then Network Layer a is must. In this situation Data Link Layer is not enough for completing the communication process as it lacks Routing ability which is the primary function of Network Layer.
If devices are within the same network then they operate at the second layer.
All network devices have some component that operates at layer 1. Only hubs and repeaters operate entirely at layer 1.
Gateway network device
1. Repeaters (Operate at the OSI Physical Layer).2. Bridges (Operate at the OSI Data Link Layer).3. Routers {and Brouters} (Operate at the OSI Network Layer).
datalink layer
error control and recovery flow control ppp(point to point protocol transfering from physical layer to network entities
Router works in Network Layer of OSI model
datalink layar
Seven.Seven.Seven.Seven.
MAC
Hubs and repeaters operate at the Physical Layer of the OSI Model. The Physical Layer is the first layer of the OSI Model.
The Access Layer