Which OSI/ISO layer is the Media Access Control (MAC) sublayer part of?

Question

Options

• ATransport layer
• BNetwork layer
• CData link layer
• DPhysical layer

• A
  8% (3)
• B
  3% (1)
• C
  87% (33)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

MAC is part of the Data Link Layer (Layer 2), which is divided into two sublayers: the Logical Link Control (LLC) above it and the Media Access Control (MAC) below it. MAC handles physical addressing (MAC addresses), frame delimiting, and controlling access to the shared transmission medium.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• Transport (A) - Layer 4, responsible for end-to-end delivery and segmentation (TCP/UDP); operates far above hardware addressing.
• Network (B) - Layer 3, handles logical (IP) addressing and routing between networks; MAC addresses don't cross routers.
• Physical (D) - Layer 1, deals only with raw bit transmission over the medium (voltages, frequencies); it has no concept of addressing or frames.

Memory tip: Think "MAC = Layer 2 = your NIC's address." Your Network Interface Card burns in a MAC address at the factory - the card operates at Layer 2, not Layer 1 (which is just the cable) or Layer 3 (which is the IP world).

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