The data link layer converts the 8-bit octets from the transport layer into 10-bit characters for transmission across the link using 8B or 10B encoding. 8B or 10B encoding ensures DC balance to allow use of AC-coupling between the SerDes transmitter and receiver and specify a sufficient number of edge transitions for the receiver to reliably recover the data clock. 8B/10B encoding also provides some error detection since a single bit error in a character likely results in either not being able to find the 10-bit character in the 8B or 10B decoder lookup table or an incorrect character disparity.