In the seven-level reference model, which level arranges the bits into frames and controls data flow?

The link layer is responsible for arranging bits into frames and controlling data flow in the seven-level reference model, commonly known as the OSI model. This layer serves as the interface between the physical transmission of data over the medium and the network layer above it.

In this context, the primary function of the link layer includes framing, which involves grouping the raw bits received from the physical layer into frames, allowing for better management, addressing, and error detection. It also plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of data to ensure that data is sent and received at a manageable rate, preventing the sender from overwhelming the receiver with too much data at once.

Other layers like the application layer, network layer, and transport layer serve different purposes. The application layer interacts with software applications to provide network services. The network layer is focused on routing data across multiple networks, and the transport layer provides end-to-end communication services, ensuring reliable or unreliable delivery of data as required.