Physical Layer

The physical layer is the fundamental part of a network that handles the actual transmission of raw data signals over physical media like cables, wires, or wireless signals. It defines the hardware, electrical, and optical specifications needed to send bits—0s and 1s—between devices. Think of it as the bridge that converts digital information into signals that can travel through physical space, whether by electrical pulses, light, or radio waves, and then back into digital form at the destination. This layer ensures that data physically moves reliably from one device to another.