ICMP – Why is ICMP Considered Layer 3?

icmpipv4layer3osiprotocol-theory

Why is the ICMP protocol considered to run at layer 3 on the Wikipedia page (same layer as IP) when the ICMP protocol data is a payload of the IP packet?

This is the article on Wikipedia that states that ICMP is in the same layer as IP protocol. I am confused about this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_protocol_suite

Best Answer

There is much controversy about which protocols run at which layers in the models. Understand that the models, e.g. OSI Model, are just models, and the real world is often different.

There are people on both sides of ICMP layer placement. Remember that Wikipedia is maintained by everyone, including you. If you disagree with what is in an article, you are free to change it, or add something explaining why it should be a layer-4 protocol.

There are also other sources you should consult. In the end, you make up your own mind about where you think it belongs.

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