What are two primary responsibilities of the Ethernet MAC sublayer? (Choose two.)

The Ethernet MAC (Media Access Control) sublayer is responsible for two key functions that are fundamental to the operation of Ethernet networks. One of its primary responsibilities is accessing the media, which refers to managing how devices on the same physical medium (like a cable) gain access to the network and transmit data. This encompasses defining the rules for how devices share the medium and avoid collisions, especially in a shared network environment where multiple devices may attempt to communicate at the same time.

The second primary responsibility involves data encapsulation, where the MAC sublayer prepares data packets for transmission over the network. This includes adding MAC addresses to the data frames, which are essential for ensuring that the data reaches the correct destination device on the local network. The encapsulation process wraps the data in a frame suitable for the transmission medium and includes error checking through frame check sequences.

In summary, accessing the media and data encapsulation are critical functions of the Ethernet MAC sublayer that facilitate effective communication within Ethernet networks, ensuring that devices can send and receive data correctly and efficiently.