Final answer:
The IEEE 802.3 MAC layer is responsible for the generation of preamble, creation of Ethernet data frames, and inserting source and destination addresses into these frames.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option d. All of the above
Step-by-step explanation:
IEEE 802.3 is a working group and a collection of standards defining the physical layer and data link layer's media access control (MAC) of wired Ethernet.
The IEEE 802.3 Media Access Control Layer (MAC) is responsible in charge of the following:
- Generation of preamble when used which helps synchronize the frame reception at the physical layer.
- Creation of the Ethernet data frame which includes encapsulating the packet handed down from the network layer into a frame with the necessary headers and trailers for transmission.
- Inserting source and destination addresses into the data frame, which are essential for delivering the frame to the correct endpoint on a network.
All these functions are critical parts of the MAC layer's role in managing protocol access to the physical network medium.