Which Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) layer is utilized by the CMTS to differentiate between cable modems?

The DOCSIS Media Access Control (MAC) Layer is responsible for managing the communication between the cable modems and the Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS). This layer differentiates between various cable modems by managing their access to the network and ensuring efficient sharing of the bandwidth available on the shared medium.

The MAC layer encapsulates the data packets generated by the network and handles important functions such as addressing and error detection. It uses identifiers known as MAC addresses to distinguish between different modems connected to the same network, allowing the CMTS to manage multiple connections simultaneously and allocate resources effectively. This differentiation is key in preventing data collisions and ensuring that the network operates smoothly.

In contrast, the Physical Layer deals with the hardware transmission of data over the cable, while the Data Link Layer is more general in managing node-to-node data transfer without the specific addressing features provided by the MAC layer. The Network Layer focuses on routing data between different networks rather than managing individual modem connections directly. Hence, the specific features of the DOCSIS MAC Layer are what allow the CMTS to effectively differentiate between cable modems.