TechKnowSurge
CompTIA Network+ 1.1 CompTIA Network+ 1.5 Cisco CCST Networking 1.3
InteractiveNetworkFree

802.3, 802.11, 802.15, or Not 802?

A patch cable, a Wi-Fi laptop, Bluetooth earbuds or a leased line: which Layer 2 standard carries it?

⚑ Complete this interactive to capture a CTF flag worth 5 points.

About this interactive

The lesson's Layer 2 protocols: - **IEEE 802.3:** Ethernet, wired, over copper or fiber. Its many variants (802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3ae and more) set speeds and media. - **IEEE 802.11:** wireless LANs, the Wi-Fi in homes, offices and cafés. - **IEEE 802.15:** wireless personal area networks. Bluetooth was standardized as 802.15.1, and Zigbee runs on 802.15.4. - **Not IEEE 802:** PPP (point-to-point protocol), HDLC (high-level data link control), Frame Relay and ATM are Layer 2 protocols too, mostly on links between routers and sites. They are not IEEE 802 LAN standards. IEEE 802.2 defines the LLC sublayer that 802.3, 802.11 and 802.15 all share.

What you'll learn

Aligned to

CompTIA Network+
1.1 Explain concepts related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model.
1.5 Compare and contrast transmission media and transceivers.
Cisco CCST Networking
1.3 Differentiate between LAN, WAN, MAN, CAN, PAN, and WLAN

Key terms

IEEE 802
A family of protocol standards defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers that govern communications on local area networks.
IEEE 802.3
The IEEE standard that defines the MAC sublayer and physical layer specifications for Ethernet networks, covering signaling, speeds, and media types.
Wireless Local Area Network
WLAN
A local area network that uses wireless radio signals instead of physical cables to connect devices within a limited geographic area. WLANs are based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards and are the standard wireless networking technology in homes, offices, and public spaces.
Personal Area Network
PAN
A network that spans a short range of roughly 30 feet, connecting personal devices such as phones, earbuds, and speakers, commonly via Bluetooth.
Data Link Layer
Layer 2 of the OSI model responsible for node-to-node data transfer and error detection on a single network segment.
Point-to-Point Protocol
PPP
A data link protocol used to establish a direct connection between two nodes.
High-Level Data Link Control
HDLC
A bit-oriented synchronous data link layer protocol used for point-to-point WAN connections, providing framing, flow control, and error detection. Cisco's proprietary version of HDLC is the default encapsulation on Cisco serial interfaces and adds a protocol type field absent from the ISO standard.
Frame Relay
A legacy Layer 2 WAN technology that uses virtual circuits with assigned data link connection identifiers (DLCIs) to route data between sites.

Topics

Ieee 802 Ethernet Wireless Lan Wireless Pan Layer 2 Protocols Interactive Categorize

About TechKnowSurge

TechKnowSurge builds IT and cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, concept-first training built around real understanding — not memorization. Free interactive tools, structured programs, and 25+ years of real-world experience, all in one place.

Explore free tools and programs →