In networking, which layer is responsible for error detection and handling?

The Data Link Layer is responsible for error detection and handling in networking. This layer is essential for reliable communication between directly connected devices. It ensures that data frames are transmitted accurately over the physical medium by implementing various error detection techniques, such as checksums and cyclic redundancy checks (CRC). If an error is detected in a transmitted frame, the Data Link Layer can request the retransmission of that frame.

This layer operates right above the Physical Layer, which deals primarily with the transmission of raw data bits over a physical medium, without any error correction mechanisms. The Network Layer, on the other hand, is focused on routing, forwarding, and addressing packets between different networks but does not provide error correction for the data being sent. The Transport Layer is responsible for end-to-end communication and may include features such as flow control and segmentation but does not handle error detection at the link level.

By ensuring integrity and reliability at this specific layer, the Data Link Layer plays a crucial role in maintaining effective communication across networks.