LinkSchichten

LinkSchichten is a concept in the field of telecommunications and computer networking that refers to a layer within the network architecture responsible for the reliable transmission of data frames between directly connected nodes. It operates above the physical layer, which handles the raw bit transmission, and below the network layer, which deals with routing data across multiple networks. The primary function of the link layer is to manage access to the physical medium, detect and potentially correct errors that may occur during transmission, and provide a logical addressing scheme for devices on the local network segment.

Common protocols operating at the link layer include Ethernet for wired local area networks and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) for wireless local area networks. These protocols define the format of data frames, the rules for sharing the network medium (e.g., carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection in Ethernet), and the addressing mechanism (e.g., MAC addresses). The link layer ensures that data can be sent and received accurately between adjacent devices, forming the foundation for higher-level communication services. Without the link layer, data would be lost or corrupted during transit over the physical medium, preventing effective communication between network devices.