physical layer


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Wikipedia.

physical layer

(networking)
Layer one, the lowest layer in the OSI seven layer model. The physical layer encompasses details such as electrical and mechanical connections to the network, transmission of binary data as changing voltage levels on wires or similar concepts on other connectors, and data rates.

The physical layer is used by the data link layer.

Example physical layer protocols are CSMA/CD, token ring and bus.
This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

physical layer

The processing in a network protocol that transmits the bits over the wire or fiber. The physical layer is layer 1 of 7 in the OSI model. Also known as the "PHY" layer. See TCP/IP, OSI model and physical layer switch.
Copyright © 1981-2019 by The Computer Language Company Inc. All Rights reserved. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Mentioned in ?
References in periodicals archive ?
Beyond automated work-order management and guided moves, adds and changes (MACs), physical layer network-management systems can offer return-on-investment benefits that reduce the total cost of network ownership.
Take control of the physical layer: tracking network problems is often like finding a needle in a haystack. (Infrastructure)
Version 3.0 of the system includes full Web-based management for the physical layer. Network managers can complete network troubleshooting and control from remote locations via standard Web browsers, enabling them to view, configure and monitor the physical layer from any location.
Cable management
802.15.3 specifies a Physical Layer (PHY) using 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology, but WiMedia members are hoping to combine the MAC with an Ultra Wide-Band PHY for a super-fast wireless multimedia standard.
Do we really need another wireless standard? The WiMedia Alliance says yes. Are they right?
Its physical layer has been engineered to be compatible with Serial ATA's physical layer, giving users the choice of populating their systems with Serial Attached SCSI or Serial ATA hard disk drives, or a combination of both.
STA announces completion of serial attached SCSI specification
The LanScaper network tester combines the functions of a high-end cable tester and length-measurement device with the capability to monitor and correct network problems connected with the physical layer and link conditions of the network.
LAN testing kit. (Latest products)
Wave2Wave Solution, the global provider of physical layer automation, has introduced a small form factor robotic fiber switch, ROME Mini, the company said.
Wave2Wave expands autonomous network with robots
Majorly Fiber Optic Security is categorized into; Physical Layer Fiber Optic Security, and Data Layer Fiber Optic Security.
Fiber Optic Security Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2017 - 2025

Encyclopedia browser ?
Full browser ?