Implementation Manager (IM) Specialist CHTS Practice Test

Which layer uses physical addresses to move data across the network?

1. Data Link Layer

2. Transport Layer

3. Session Layer

4. Application Layer

The correct answer is: Data Link Layer

The Data Link Layer is responsible for enabling the transfer of data between devices within the same network. This layer uses physical addresses, commonly referred to as MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, to identify devices on the local network segment. It ensures that data packets are encased within frames and provides a means for error detection and correction, as well as flow control. The Data Link Layer operates directly on the physical layer, which is where the actual transmission of raw bit streams takes place. By utilizing physical addresses, the Data Link Layer ensures that data is sent to the correct device on the local network, thereby facilitating accurate communication. In contrast, the other layers such as the Transport Layer, Session Layer, and Application Layer operate at higher levels of abstraction and do not deal with physical addressing. The Transport Layer, for example, is concerned with end-to-end communication and data integrity, typically using port numbers rather than physical addresses. The Session Layer manages sessions between applications, while the Application Layer focuses on user interface and application-level protocols, completely abstracted from the concerns of physical addressing needed for data transmission across the network.