Which layer of the OSI protocol stack is responsible for handling frames?

The layer of the OSI protocol stack responsible for handling frames is the Data Link Layer. This layer plays a crucial role in the communication process by providing node-to-node data transfer and addressing. It is specifically tasked with framing data packets received from the Network Layer into frames, which include header and trailer information necessary for proper transmission.

The Data Link Layer ensures that the data can be transferred reliably over the physical medium and handles the error detection and correction processes that may occur during transmission. It is also responsible for managing access to the physical medium and controlling how devices communicate over a particular network segment.

Because frames are fundamental units of data used in the data link protocols, this layer becomes pivotal in ensuring that data is formatted correctly for transport over the physical layer, making it possible for devices within the same local area network (LAN) to communicate effectively.