What Is the Physical Layer?
In computer networking, a core model to understand is the OSI model. The conceptual OSI or Open Sources Interconnection model describes a series of seven communication layers. Each layer has its functionality and features. The OSI model doesn’t proscribe any specific protocol. Instead, it defines a standard communication framework around which protocols can be designed. The OSI model in the modern world is slightly inaccurate, with several standard protocols straddling two layers and some layers being combined or split further. Despite this, it remains a good starting place to understand networking concepts. The lowest layer defined in the OSI model, layer 1, the physical layer, is quite different from the other layers. The physical layer is the fundamental communication platform. This means that it involves not only the encoding and decoding of signals but also the standardization of the actual transmission media and transmission methods. What’s at the Core of the P