Which layer of the OSI model uses MAC addresses to ensure data is sent to the correct destination on a local network?

The Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model uses MAC addresses to ensure data is sent to the correct destination on a local network. Here are the steps explaining how it works:

1. When a device needs to send data to another device on the same network, it first checks its ARP table. The ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table is a list that the device maintains of all known MAC addresses and their associated IP addresses.

2. If the MAC address of the destination device is in the ARP table, the data is packaged into a frame with the destination MAC address and sent over the network.

3. If the MAC address is not in the ARP table, the device sends out an ARP request packet. This packet is a broadcast message that asks "Who has this IP address?"

4. All devices on the network receive the ARP request, but only the device with the matching IP address responds. The response includes its MAC address.

5. The sending device adds the MAC address to its ARP table for future use, then sends the data in a frame with the destination MAC address.

6. The network switch uses the destination MAC address to deliver the frame to the correct device.

7. The receiving device checks the destination MAC address to make sure the frame is intended for it, then unpacks the data from the frame.