Network Packets and Frames
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Packets: The Units of the Network Layer
Definition: Packets are self-contained units of data that are routed across networks (like the internet). They carry the actual information you're sending.
Components: A packet includes:
Payload: The actual data being transmitted (part of an image, a web page, an email, etc.)
Header: Contains control information like source and destination IP addresses, protocol type, and other metadata to help it reach its destination.
Frames: The Units of the Data Link Layer
Definition: Frames are used to transmit data over a physical network medium (like Ethernet or Wi-Fi). They are the "envelopes" that carry packets.
Components: A frame includes:
Header: Contains source and destination MAC addresses (hardware addresses of network devices), error detection codes, and other information for transmission over the physical network.
Payload: This is the packet received from the network layer.
Trailer: May contain error checking information.
How Packets and Frames Work Together
Encapsulation: Your computer creates a packet containing data. This packet is encapsulated within a frame at the data link layer.
Transmission: The frame with its payload (the packet) is sent over the physical network (like an Ethernet cable).
Reception: The receiving device strips off the frame headers and trailers. The remaining packet is passed up to the network layer.
De-encapsulation: The packet is further processed to eventually bring you the data you requested.
Key Points
Packets are about logical routing across networks.
Frames are about physical transmission of data.