Which layer of the OSI model does Ethernet operate on?

Ethernet operates at the Data Link layer of the OSI model, which is the second layer. This layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and error detection and correction in the physical layer. It provides protocols for communicating between devices on the same local area network (LAN), ensuring that the data packets being sent are appropriately formatted and transmitted. Ethernet frames, which encapsulate the data and include information such as source and destination MAC addresses, are essential to this layer's function.

The Data Link layer serves as the intermediary between the Physical layer (which handles the raw transmission of data over the physical medium) and the Network layer (which manages routing between different networks). Therefore, understanding Ethernet's role at this layer is crucial for comprehending how devices communicate effectively within LANs using Ethernet protocols.