Which of the following is not related to data link layer?

2024

Which of the following is not related to data link layer?

  1. A.

    Congestion control

  2. B.

    Error control

  3. C.

    Framing

  4. D.

    MAC addressing

  5. E.

    Question not attempted

Attempted by 699 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Concept: The OSI model assigns framing, error control, and medium access control (including MAC addressing) to the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) — all single-hop responsibilities between two directly-connected nodes. Congestion control, by contrast, regulates the overall volume of traffic flowing across a network that spans multiple links and routers, so it is a Network Layer function (reinforced at the Transport Layer), not a Data Link Layer one.

Application: Checking each listed function against the data link layer's scope:

  • Framing: splits the bit stream arriving from the network layer into discrete frames with header/trailer boundaries — a Data Link Layer function.

  • Error control: detects and corrects bit errors introduced during transmission over a single link — a Data Link Layer function.

  • MAC addressing: uses physical hardware addresses to deliver frames to the correct node sharing that link — a Data Link Layer function.

  • Congestion control: manages traffic load across the entire network path, involving multiple routers and links — NOT a Data Link Layer function.

Note the distinction the question is testing: flow control (pacing transmission to match a receiver's capacity on a single link, e.g. via sliding-window protocols) IS performed at the Data Link Layer, but congestion control (preventing network-wide overload across many links and routers) is not — the two are often confused, but only flow control belongs to Layer 2.

Cross-check: Framing, error control, and MAC addressing are covered in every standard treatment of the Data Link Layer, while congestion-avoidance mechanisms (leaky bucket, token bucket, RED, TCP congestion control) belong to the Network/Transport Layer chapters. Of the four functions listed, congestion control is the one not related to the data link layer.

Explore the full course: Up Lt Grade Assistant Teacher 2025