Ethernet Data Link Layer

This course explores how the Ethernet Data Link Layer operates within the OSI model, focusing on framing, addressing, and error detection. Ethernet uses a connectionless approach that sends each frame independently, maximizing efficiency and performance on networks with relatively low error rates. You will discover how Ethernet’s reliance on higher-level protocols for error recovery fosters a modular design, allowing it to scale across diverse network environments—from small local systems to large industrial operations.

As you progress, you will gain insight into Ethernet frame fields, such as the preamble, destination and source MAC addresses, and the EtherType field, all of which shape how data is packaged for delivery. You will also examine addressing concepts, including Organizationally Unique Identifiers (OUIs) and multicast versus broadcast addresses, as well as the importance of the Frame Check Sequence in detecting errors. By the end of this course, you will understand how Ethernet’s design enables efficient data transport while laying the groundwork for comprehensive end-to-end networking.

About The Author

Pavel Burget is a researcher affiliated with the Czech Technical University in Prague, specifically with the CIIRC (Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics), where he has been heading Testbed for Industry 4.0. His expertise spans industrial communication, including Ethernet-based systems and protocols like PROFINET. He has contributed to the field through various research projects and educational courses that delve into the dynamics of industrial communication systems, focusing on aspects like diagnostics and modeling. He has also been involved in giving Certified PROFINET Engineer courses.