|  | 6.1 | LAN Standards
| 6.1.2 | Comparing OSI Layers 1 and 2 with various LAN standards

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is a professional organization that defines network standards. The IEEE standards (including IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.5) are the predominant and best known LAN standards in the world today. IEEE 802.3 specifies the physical layer, Layer 1, and the channel-access portion of the data link layer, Layer 2.

The OSI model has seven layers. IEEE standards involve only the two lowest layers, therefore the data link layer is broken into two parts:

- the technology-independent 802.2 LLC standard
- the specific, technology-dependent parts that incorporate Layer 1 connectivity

The IEEE divides the OSI data link layer into two separate sublayers. Recognized IEEE sublayers are:

- Media Access Control (MAC) (transitions down to media)
- Logical Link Control (LLC) (transitions up to the network layer)

These sublayers are active, vital agreements that make technology compatible and computer communication possible. Visit these sites:

| Web Links
| IEEE