Which layer encompasses the physical devices and networks used for connectivity and edge computing?

Which layer encompasses the physical devices and networks used for connectivity and edge computing?

• A. Cloud Layer
• B. Device Layer
• C. Process Layer
• D. Communication Layer

Answer: (B)

The Device Layer is where the tangible hardware lives—the sensors, actuators, IoT devices, and gateways that collect data and connect to the network. This layer directly supports edge computing by providing the actual endpoints and the local networks they use to perform processing close to the data source. The Cloud Layer contains centralized resources, the Process Layer covers software and analytics that run on various systems, and the Communication Layer focuses on the transport networks and protocols between layers. Since the question emphasizes physical devices and the networks used for connectivity and edge computing, the Device Layer best fits.

The Device Layer is where the tangible hardware lives—the sensors, actuators, IoT devices, and gateways that collect data and connect to the network. This layer directly supports edge computing by providing the actual endpoints and the local networks they use to perform processing close to the data source. The Cloud Layer contains centralized resources, the Process Layer covers software and analytics that run on various systems, and the Communication Layer focuses on the transport networks and protocols between layers. Since the question emphasizes physical devices and the networks used for connectivity and edge computing, the Device Layer best fits.