What Is The Media Access Control?

What Is the Media Access Control?

In the open system interconnection (OSI) media access control the is the sublevel of the data link layer for data transmission. MAC is responsible for controlling the flow and multiplexing the transmission medium. It also controls the transmission in the form of data packets with the assistance of remotely shared channels. Over the network interface card, it sends the data on it.

The main objective of the MAC protocol is to avoid collisions and the smooth transfer of data in the form of packets between the two terminals of the computer. A collision happens when two or more terminals transfer data at the same time. It will cause a communication breakdown which is costly for the organization.

In the OSI model MAC layer:

The OSI model framework is the layered networking framework that shows how communication takes place between heterogeneous systems. The second-lowest layer is the data link layer which is further divided into two sublayers,

• LLC sub-level (logical link control).
• MAC (Media Access Control) sublayer.

MAC control methods:

The channels through which data is transmitted between two terminals to avoid collision have three major ways to fulfill this task it includes,

• Demand priority
• Token priority
• CSMA/CA (multiple access with vector detection with collision avoidance.
• CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access with collision detection.

The functions of media access control:

• It encapsulates the frames so these frames are used for transmission through the physical medium.
• It provides a distraction to the physical layer of logical link control and the upper layers of the open system interconnection.
• When more than one data is to be transmitted MAC is responsible for the multiple access resolution. Transmission channel access methods are also determined by the MAC layer.
• It solves the addressing of the source stations and the group of stations source.
• It avoids the collision between the two terminals ans also stimulate the re-transmission in case of collisions.
• MAC provides protection against errors in transmission and generates the frame check sequence.