What protocol uses a MAC address at Layer 2 of the OSI model?

Ethernet is the protocol that operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to identify devices on a local area network (LAN). MAC (Media Access Control) addresses are hardware identifiers assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer. Every Ethernet-equipped device has a unique MAC address that plays a crucial role in ensuring that data frames are delivered to the correct destination within a network segment.

In an Ethernet frame, the source MAC address indicates the sender of the data, while the destination MAC address specifies the intended recipient. This addressing mechanism is fundamental for the operation of Ethernet networks, allowing multiple devices to coexist on the same network without data collisions or misdelivery.

The other protocols listed, while important, operate at different layers of the OSI model. For instance, IP (Internet Protocol) operates at Layer 3, providing logical addressing for routing. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) functions at Layer 4, ensuring reliable communication between devices. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) operates at Layer 7, supporting communication between web browsers and servers for accessing web content.