What is the primary function of the Physical Layer in the OSI Model?

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Accepted Answer

Convert data to electrical signals - The Physical Layer is the lowest layer in the OSI model. Its main job is to handle the physical connection between devices and send data as signals over a medium like cables or wireless.

This layer does not deal with logic or data structures. It simply converts digital data into signals (electrical, optical, or radio) that can travel through physical media.

Key tasks of the Physical Layer:

Convert binary data into physical signals
Transmit signals through cables, fiber, or wireless
Define hardware standards like cables, connectors, and pin layouts
Control how bits are sent and received at the hardware level


This layer is essential for actual communication between devices. Without it, data would not leave the device to reach another system.

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