Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for physical addressing and switching?

The Data Link Layer is responsible for physical addressing and switching within the OSI model. This layer operates directly above the Physical Layer and serves to facilitate data transfer between adjacent network nodes. It includes important functions such as framing, physical addressing (which involves MAC addresses), and controlling access to the physical transmission medium.

In the context of networking, the Data Link Layer ensures that packets are delivered to the correct device on a local network using these physical addresses, making it essential for both error detection and correction during data transfer. This layer essentially prepares data for the physical layer while managing how transmission occurs over the media, including collision detection and handling security at the data link level.

Understanding this layer's role is crucial for those involved in networking, as it helps in diagnosing network issues and optimizing the flow of data between devices on the same local area network (LAN).