Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

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Which layers of the OSI model do WANs operate at?

Session layer
Datalink layer
Transport layer
Physical layer

The correct answer is: Datalink layer

WANs, or Wide Area Networks, primarily operate at the Datalink layer and the Physical layer of the OSI model. The Datalink layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and manages how data packets are placed on the network. It also handles error detection and correction, making it essential for maintaining reliable communication over various types of media. In WANs, protocols like PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) and Frame Relay function at the Datalink layer, facilitating communication between devices across long distances. The Physical layer, on the other hand, is focused on the actual transmission of raw bits over a physical medium. This includes aspects such as cables, switches, and signaling methods utilized to connect different network segments across wide geographical areas. While the specific operations of WANs can involve higher layers for certain functionalities, the foundational connection and data transfer primarily occur at these two layers.