What is meant by layer 2?

Layer2 is the network layer used to transfer data between adjacent network nodes in a wide area network or between nodes on the same local area network . A frame is a protocol data unit, the smallest unit of bits on a Layer 2 network.

Layer 2 of The OSI Model: Data Link Layer provides the functional and procedural means to transfer data between network entities and to detect and possibly correct errors that may occur in the physical layer .

Layer 2 is a term used for solutions created to help scale an application by processing transactions off of the Ethereum Mainnet (layer 1) while still maintaining the same security measures and decentralization as the mainnet . Layer 2 solutions increase throughput (transaction speed) and reduce gas fees.8 Mar 2022

Generally speaking, Layer 2 is a broadcast Media Access Control (MAC) MAC level network, while Layer 3 is a segmented routing over internet protocol (IP) network . To better understand both layers, let’s dig a little deeper into the OSI model.