Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for managing data links between devices?

The Data Link layer is responsible for managing data links between devices in the OSI model. This layer ensures that data is packaged into frames for transmission over a network and handles the error detection and correction that may occur during this process. It provides essential functions such as media access control, which determines how data packets are placed on the network, and logical link control, which ensures that the right devices are communicating correctly.

By facilitating communication between directly connected devices, the Data Link layer plays a crucial role in establishing point-to-point channel connections over the physical medium. It acts as an intermediary between the physical transmission of raw bits and the higher layers that manage data end-to-end across multiple networks.

In summary, by managing aspects such as frame synchronization, flow control, and physical addressing, the Data Link layer ensures reliable communication flows within a local network segment, setting the stage for higher level networking tasks.