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Physical Layer (PHY)

Physically connects devices and is the conduit that encodes, decodes bits of data.
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Description

The physical layer, or PHY, physically connects devices and is the conduit that encodes, decodes bits of data.

In the Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model) of networking, the physical layer (PHY) is the bottom or first layer in the protocol stacks. The PHY is the layer that moves data physically. The PHY transmits and receives data over a variety of methods (cables, Ethernet, wires). A PHY can be IP built into a chip or a dedicated PHY chip.

PHY is often associated with Ethernet. Ethernet physical layer or PHY, as an abstraction layer, transmits and receives data. The PHY encodes data frames for transmission and decodes received frames with a specific modulation speed of operation, transmission media type and supported link length (as defined by Synopsys).