Where do the MAC sublayers fit into OSI model?

The MAC sublayers (Media Access Control) don't fit neatly into a single layer of the OSI model. They span across both the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) and the Physical Layer (Layer 1) .

Here's a breakdown:

* MAC addressing and logical addressing: This aspect resides primarily within the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) . The MAC address is used for addressing devices on the local network. The MAC sublayer handles functions like framing, error detection, and flow control at the local network level.

* Physical transmission of data: The actual physical transmission of data over the medium (cables, wireless signals, etc.) is handled by the Physical Layer (Layer 1) . The MAC sublayer interacts with the physical layer to manage access to the physical medium. Αυτό περιλαμβάνει τεχνικές όπως CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense πολλαπλής πρόσβαση με ανίχνευση σύγκρουσης) ή CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense πολλαπλών πρόσβασης με αποφυγή σύγκρουσης).

In essence, the MAC sublayer's functionalities are distributed. It uses the Physical Layer to transmit data but performs its control and addressing functions within the context of the Data Link Layer. It's a logical division within the lower two layers of the OSI model rather than a distinct layer itself.