Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “What tasks does the data link layer solve?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)**The data link layer (L2)** solves tasks related to reliable data transfer between neighboring devices on the same network, sitting between the physical and network layers. **Key point:** the data link layer handles framing, MAC addressing, error control, and media access control.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)Image**The data link layer (L2)** solves tasks related to **reliable data transfer between neighboring devices on the same network**. It sits **between the physical and network layers** and "puts the bit stream in order." Simply put: the data link layer is responsible for making sure **data inside the local network arrives correctly and at the right address**. --- ## Main tasks of the data link layer ### 1. **Framing** - accepts the bit stream from the physical layer - **packages the data into frames** - adds service information (header and trailer) A frame is the basic unit of transmission at L2. --- ### 2. **MAC addressing** - uses the **MAC addresses** of the source and destination - determines **exactly which device in the local network** the data is meant for IP addresses are **not used** here, that is a layer above. --- ### 3. **Error control** - adds a checksum (FCS) - on receipt, checks: - whether the frame is damaged The data link layer **detects errors**, but usually **does not correct them**. --- ### 4. **Media access control** Answers the question: > who can transmit data, and when Especially important: - in wireless networks (Wi-Fi) - in shared transmission media --- ### 5. **Splitting the data stream** - determines the start and end of a frame - keeps frames from "sticking together" This is needed so the receiver understands: > where one frame ended and the next one began --- ### 6. **Interaction with the physical and network layers** - receives bits from the physical layer - passes data (frames) to the network layer - and vice versa --- ## Where the data link layer operates - **within a single local area network (LAN)** - between **directly connected devices** - up to the first router --- ## Short answer for an interview > **The data link layer handles framing, MAC addressing, error control, and media access control**, delivering data between devices on the same network.For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.