physical layer

physical layer

(networking)

Layer one, the lowest layer in the OSI seven layer model. The physical layer encompasses details such as electrical and mechanical connections to the network, transmission of binary data as changing voltage levels on wires or similar concepts on other connectors, and data rates.

The physical layer is used by the data link layer.

Example physical layer protocols are CSMA/CD, token ring and bus.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

physical layer

The processing in a network protocol that transmits the bits over the wire or fiber. The physical layer is layer 1 of 7 in the OSI model. Also known as the "PHY" layer. See TCP/IP, OSI model and physical layer switch.

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