MAC layer by OSI model is also known as?

The MAC (Media Access Control) layer is known as Layer 2 in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. This layer is responsible for facilitating communication between devices on the same local area network (LAN). It manages access to the physical medium and determines how data packets are placed on the medium as well as how to handle collisions that may occur when multiple devices attempt to send data simultaneously.

Layer 2 includes protocols that define how to structure data frames for transmission and the mechanisms necessary for error detection and correction. The MAC layer operates closely with the physical layer (Layer 1), which encompasses the actual hardware and transmission mediums, but it is distinct in that it provides a method for addressing and controlling access to shared media. Understanding this distinction is crucial as it underpins networking principles that facilitate reliable data transfer within local networks.