Devices on OSI layer

namichnamich Member Posts: 1 ■□□□□□□□□□
in Network+
Hey all,

I am preparing for my network exams which will be in two weeks. So far I an finding some serious tutorial inconsistencies with two devices and where they operate on the OSI layers.

NICS and WAPs

Based on which tutorial / practice exam material you have, you will get it to say that they operate on both Data link and Physical layers ( Prep logic).

Others will say on the Physical layer.

As far as COMPTIA is concerned, which one is correct?
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Comments

  • NetAdmin2436NetAdmin2436 Member Posts: 1,076
    Should be both. A NIC physically transmits signals over the line. A NIC also has a MAC address which is layer 2.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_card

    I wouldn't worry too much. I doubt you will get a tricky question regarding them.
    WIP: CCENT/CCNA (.....probably)
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  • BarryprBarrypr Member Posts: 71 ■■□□□□□□□□
    Ya I'm re-sitting my N+ in two weeks, lots of practice exams I have been doing are giving different answers, if the question comes up for WAP'S I'm going with layer1 same for NIC unless they mention MAC!
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  • dynamikdynamik Banned Posts: 12,312 ■■■■■■■■■□
    I wouldn't go with layer 1 for WAPs or NICs. NetAdmin explained why for NICs, and layer 2 is critical for WAPs (i.e. how to handle and respond to collisions). Layer 1 devices are things like hubs and repeaters that blindly transmit electrical signals.
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  • macdudemacdude Member Posts: 173
    Do not forget that cables are layer 1
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  • netcom2000netcom2000 Member Posts: 117
    I must admit, I never had a question like that, I would go physical rather than both though.
    Future planned exams are as follows: CCNA, Windows 2003 Server 70-290

    "Like the Roman, I see the Tiber foaming with so much blood"

    Enoch Powell 1968


    "We died in hell, they called it Passchendaele"
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  • human151human151 Member Posts: 208
    Both devices are layer two.

    As far a NICs, you need to remember the data link layer is divided into two sublayers, MAC & LLC. The LLC talks to layer 3, and wraps a frame around the packet and passes it to the MAC, which puts the frame on the cables as bits.

    neither is a layer 1 device, but the MAC sublayer does interact with layer 1.
    Welcome to the desert of the real.

    BSCI in Progress...

    Cisco LAB: 1x 2509
    1X2621
    1x1721
    2x2950
    1x3550 EMI
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  • human151human151 Member Posts: 208
    also remember that waps as well as nics are layer two because they forward frames by ethernet address (MAC Address)

    a layer 1 device would be repeater.
    Welcome to the desert of the real.

    BSCI in Progress...

    Cisco LAB: 1x 2509
    1X2621
    1x1721
    2x2950
    1x3550 EMI
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  • NobylspoonNobylspoon Member Posts: 620 ■■■□□□□□□□
    My textbook came with an OSI model reference card that shows WAP in layer 2 and NICs in both layer 1 & 2.
    WGU PROGRESS

    MS: Information Security & Assurance
    Start Date: December 2013
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  • *StarFire*StarFire Member Posts: 56 ■■□□□□□□□□
    I agree with Human151
    Distractions all along the way.....perhaps will end up breaking everything
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  • maumercadomaumercado Member Posts: 163
    theyre both layer 1 & 2
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