EXHIBIT 5.1

September 12, 1996



Level One Communications, Incorporated
9750 Goethe Road
Sacramento, CA 95827

Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have examined Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be
filed by Level One Communications, Incorporated (the "Company") with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement"), in connection
with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 2,000,000
shares of the Company's common stock, to be issued pursuant to the Company's
1993 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan Shares").  I have examined the proceedings
taken and proposed to be taken in connection with the issuance and sale of the
Plan Shares to be issued under such Plan.

It is my opinion that, upon completion of the proceedings being taken or
contemplated to be taken prior to the issuance of the Plan Shares pursuant to
the Plan, and upon completion of any proceedings taken in order to permit such
transactions to be carried out in accordance with the securities laws of the
various states where required, the Plan Shares will be legally and validly
issued, fully-paid and non-assessable.

I consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the use of my name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

Sincerely,

/s/ Bruce F. Dravis
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Bruce F. Dravis
General Counsel