The
data link layer or
layer 2 is the second layer of the seven-layer
OSI model of
computer networking. This layer is the protocol layer that transfers data between adjacent network nodes in a
wide area network (WAN) or between nodes on the same
local area network (LAN)
segment. The data link layer provides the functional and procedural means to
transfer data between network entities and might provide the means to detect and possibly correct errors that may occur in the
physical layer.