UNIT-2
DATA LINK LAYER
o In the OSI model, the data link layer is a 4th layer from the top and 2nd layer
from the bottom.
o The communication channel that connects the adjacent nodes is known as links,
and in order to move the datagram from source to the destination, the
datagram must be moved across an individual link.
o The main responsibility of the Data Link Layer is to transfer the datagram across
an individual link.
o The Data link layer protocol defines the format of the packet exchanged across
the nodes as well as the actions such as Error detection, retransmission, flow
control, and random access.
o The Data Link Layer protocols are Ethernet, token ring, FDDI and PPP.
o An important characteristic of a Data Link Layer is that datagram can be handled
by different link layer protocols on different links in a path. For example, the
datagram is handled by Ethernet on the first link, PPP on the second link.
o Framing & Link access: Data Link Layer protocols encapsulate each network
frame within a Link layer frame before the transmission across the link. A frame
consists of a data field in which network layer datagram is inserted and a
number of data fields. It specifies the structure of the frame as well as a channel
access protocol by which frame is to be transmitted over the link.
o Reliable delivery: Data Link Layer provides a reliable delivery service, i.e.,
transmits the network layer datagram without any error. A reliable delivery
service is accomplished with transmissions and acknowledgements. A data link
layer mainly provides the reliable delivery service over the links as they have
higher error rates and they can be corrected locally, link at which an error occurs
rather than forcing to retransmit the data.
o Flow control: A receiving node can receive the frames at a faster rate than it
can process the frame. Without flow control, the receiver's buffer can overflow,
and frames can get lost. To overcome this problem, the data link layer uses the
flow control to prevent the sending node on one side of the link from
overwhelming the receiving node on another side of the link.
o Error detection: Errors can be introduced by signal attenuation and noise. Data
Link Layer protocol provides a mechanism to detect one or more errors. This is
achieved by adding error detection bits in the frame and then receiving node
can perform an error check.
o Error correction: Error correction is similar to the Error detection, except that
receiving node not only detect the errors but also determine where the errors
have occurred in the frame.
o Half-Duplex & Full-Duplex: In a Full-Duplex mode, both the nodes can
transmit the data at the same time. In a Half-Duplex mode, only one node can
transmit the data at one time.
