NIC's can perform in the Data Link Layer of the OSI model. However, they can also perform services in the Physical Layer.
(Network+ Guide to Networking Answer)
Physical and Data Link layers
OSI
The OSI Model stands for Open Systems Interconnection. The answer to the question which layer of the OSI model are layers capable of functioning is at all layers.
application -top of osi model physical- bottom of osi model
NICs are one of the few devices that belong to more than one layer of the OSI model. They belong to the physical layer (layer 1) because of the physical connections, and layer 2 (Data Link) because they contain a MAC address and create frames before transmission.
The OSI Model has 7 layers. Application Presentation Session Transport Network Data Link Physical
The NIC operates on Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI Model.
The OSI model acts as a standard in design of computer networks. It consists of total seven layers.
The seven layers of the OSI model.
none
All layers.
bridge
Router