The data link layer is the second layer from the bottom in the OSI (Open System
Interconnection) network architecture model. It is responsible for the node-to-node delivery of
data. Its major role is to ensure error-free transmission of information. DLL is also responsible
for encoding, decoding, and organizing the outgoing and incoming data.
This is considered the most complex layer of the OSI model as it hides all the underlying
complexities of the hardware from the other above layers. In this article, we will discuss Data
Link Layer in Detail along with its functions, and sub-layers.
Media Access Control (MAC)
MAC sublayer manages the device’s interaction, responsible for addressing frames, and also
controls physical media access.
The data link layer receives the information in the form of packets from the Network layer, it
divides packets into frames and sends those frames bit-by-bit to the underlying physical layer.
Functions of The Data-link Layer
There are various benefits of data link layers s let’s look into it.
Framing
The packet received from the Network layer is known as a frame in the Data link
layer. At the sender’s side, DLL receives packets from the Network layer and
divides them into small frames, then, sends each frame bit-by-bit to the physical
layer. It also attaches some special bits (for error control and addressing) at the
header and end of the frame. At the receiver’s end, DLL takes bits from the
Physical layer organizes them into the frame, and sends them to the Network
layer.
Addressing
The data link layer encapsulates the source and destination’s MAC address/
physical address in the header of each frame to ensure node-to-node delivery.
MAC address is the unique hardware address that is assigned to the device
while manufacturing.
Error Control
Data can get corrupted due to various reasons like noise, attenuation, etc. So, it
is the responsibility of the data link layer, to detect the error in the transmitted
data and correct it using error detection and correction techniques respectively.
DLL adds error detection bits into the frame’s header, so that receiver can check
received data is correct or not. It adds reliability to phyiscal layer by adding
mechansims to detect and retransmit damaged or lost frames.
Flow Control
If the receiver’s receiving speed is lower than the sender’s sending speed, then
this can lead to an overflow in the receiver’s buffer and some frames may get
lost. So, it’s the responsibility of DLL to synchronize the sender’s and receiver’s
speeds and establish flow control between them.
Access Control
When multiple devices share the same communication channel there is a high
probability of collision, so it’s the responsibility of DLL to check which device has
control over the channel and CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA can be used to avoid
collisions and loss of frames in the channel.
Protocols in Data link layer
There are various protocols in the data link layer, which are as follows:
● Synchronous Data Link Protocol (SDLC)
● High-Level Data Link Protocol (HDLC)
● Serial Line Interface Protocol (SLIP)
● for encoding
● Point to Point Protocol (PPP)
● Link Access Procedure (LAP)
● Link Control Protocol (LCP)
● Network Control Protocol (NCP)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Data Link Layer is essential for ensuring that data is
transferred reliably and accurately across a network. It handles error detection
and correction, manages data frame sequencing, and provides access to the
physical network. By organizing data into frames and controlling how devices on
the network communicate, the Data Link Layer plays a crucial role in maintaining
smooth and efficient network operations.
