In the TCP/IP protocol suite, the network layer is represented by the Internet Protocol (IP). IP provides the necessary addressing scheme and routing algorithms to enable communication between devices on different networks. IP addresses are used to uniquely identify devices, and routers use IP routing tables to determine the best path for forwarding data packets to their destinations.

Layer 3 protocols, such as IP, operate at the network layer and are essential for internetworking and enabling communication across diverse networks. They play a crucial role in the functioning of the internet and other large-scale networks by ensuring that data packets are correctly addressed, routed, and delivered to the appropriate destinations.