The Size of Packets
2 days ago
- #Network Performance
- #Ethernet
- #Packet Size
- Packet size in Internet communications typically ranges between 20 and 1,500 octets to avoid fragmentation and header truncation issues.
- Ethernet's original design in the 1970s influenced modern packet sizes, with a minimum frame size of 46 octets and a maximum of 1,500 octets, balancing efficiency and collision detection.
- The speed of light and electromagnetic propagation in conductors plays a crucial role in determining Ethernet's minimum packet size and network diameter.
- Ethernet evolved from 10Mbps to 1Tbps while maintaining the same packet size range, increasing processing demands to keep pace with network speeds.
- Jumbo frames (up to 9,000 octets) exist but lack standardization, leading to compatibility issues across different network equipment.
- Path MTU discovery is often avoided due to time overheads, with hosts preferring a default MTU of 1,500 octets for reliability.
- Larger packets improve carriage efficiency but increase the risk of undetected bit errors and network jitter.
- QUIC protocol defaults to a smaller MTU (1,200 octets) to simplify operations and avoid fragmentation issues.
- Despite advancements in network speeds, the optimal packet size remains between 46 and 1,500 octets, as established decades ago.