Network+™: Study Guide, Fourth Edition

2.2. The OSI Model's Lower Layers

Now that you have a broad overview of the OSI model and its seven layers, you will learn about the functions of each layer in a little more detail, starting with the lower layers. In addition to the functions, you'll read about some of the devices that operate at those layers and some of their installation concepts. Much of this information is similar to what you may find in other chapters.

2.2.1. The Physical Layer

The easiest way to think about the Physical layer is that it deals with measurable, physical entities (like electrons, electricity, etc.). Any protocol or device that operates at the Physical layer deals with the physical concepts of a network and knows nothing of the meaning of the individual bits ...