Which OSI layer uses MAC addresses to ensure messages are delivered to the correct device?TransportNetworkPhysicalData link

1. Break Down the Problem

To determine which OSI layer uses MAC addresses, we need to analyze each of the provided options.

2. Relevant Concepts

• OSI Model: The Open Systems Interconnection model consists of seven layers that standardize communication functions in telecommunication or computing systems.
• MAC Addresses: Media Access Control addresses are unique identifiers assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment.

3. Analysis and Detail

1. Transport Layer: This layer is responsible for end-to-end communication and does not use MAC addresses. It uses port numbers instead.
2. Network Layer: This layer deals with logical addressing (IP addresses) and routing of packets, not MAC addresses.
3. Physical Layer: This layer is responsible for the physical connection and transmission of raw data but does not involve addressing.
4. Data Link Layer: This layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and uses MAC addresses to ensure that messages are delivered to the correct device on a local area network.

4. Verify and Summarize

Given that MAC addresses are used to identify devices on the local network, they are primarily utilized at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model.

Final Answer

The OSI layer that uses MAC addresses to ensure messages are delivered to the correct device is the Data Link Layer.