Match each OSI layer to its function.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Data Link: frames and MAC addresses
Network: routing and IP addresses
Transport: end-to-end reliability
Application: user interface and protocols
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Physical layer: Transmits raw bit stream over physical medium
Correct matches: Physical layer transmits raw bits; Data Link layer provides node-to-node transfer with error control; Network layer routes packets; Transport layer ensures reliable end-to-end delivery. Common confusions include mixing up Data Link and Physical layer functions, or attributing routing to the Data Link layer.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Physical layer: Transmits raw bit stream over physical medium
Why this is correct
The Physical layer handles the transmission and reception of unstructured raw data over a physical medium.
Data Link layer: Provides node-to-node data transfer and error correction
Why this is correct
The Data Link layer ensures reliable transmission of data frames between two directly connected nodes, with error detection and correction.
Physical layer: Provides error detection and correction
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — error detection and correction is a function of the Data Link layer, not the Physical layer.
Network layer: Routes packets across networks
Why this is correct
The Network layer is responsible for logical addressing and routing of packets between different networks.
Transport layer: Ensures reliable data delivery between end systems
Why this is correct
The Transport layer provides end-to-end communication, reliability, and flow control for data transfer between hosts.
Data Link layer: Routes packets across networks
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — routing across networks is a function of the Network layer, not the Data Link layer.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CC exam.