Final answer:
The transport layer of the OSI model primarily manages the segmentation and reassembly of long messages into smaller ones to ensure efficient and reliable data transmission across the network.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option "breaking long messages into several smaller messages"
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the transport layer of the OSI model is to break long messages into several smaller messages, ensuring data is transmitted efficiently and reliably across the network. This process is known as segmentation and reassembly.
The transport layer is also responsible for maintaining end-to-end communication. It regulates the flow of information to prevent network congestion and ensures that data packets are delivered error-free, in sequence, and with no losses or duplications.
Contrary to some of the other options provided, it is not the transport layer's function to link the physical layer to the network layer, decide which route the message should take, or specify the type of connection and the electrical signals. Those functions are part of the physical layer, the network layer, and the data link layer, respectively.