Data Networking via LANs 10.8- Packets and Frames By: Marrissa Jones PHS 221 Fall 2007
Translation of a Packet A packet is a unit of binary data (1s and 0s) that is routed through a computer network. There are many protocols that use different size packets, they are all arranged into individual bits and bytes into a larger block of data called a data packet. The data packet is then placed inside a larger container called a frame. During the transmission, packets are broken down into similar structures and reassembled to the original data once they reach their destination.
Frames A frame is a formation of data packets, which includes layers for easy transmission. There is a higher-level frame and lower-level frame. When several layers of protocol are used, each level data will be encapsulated within the next level of the frame. Perfect Analogy- The use of many envelopes, placed inside each other to create one.
Different Types of Frames Ethernet Frame IEEE 802.3 Frame 8 bytes 6 bytes 2 bytes 46-1500 bytes 4 bytes Preamble Destination Address Source Type DATA CRC 7 bytes 1 byte 6 bytes 2 bytes 46-1500 4 bytes Preamble Start Destination Address Source Length DATA CRC
Walkthrough of a Frame Preamble- alerts and synchronizes the (NIC) network interface card Start- Start of the Frame Destination Address- The MAC (medium access control) address of destination NIC. Source Address- The MAC address of the source NIC Length/Type- indicates type and length of data DATA- carries data being transferred CRC- cyclic redundancy check on all data, error detection mechanism generated by NIC.
Translating Bridge When a medium using one protocol must connect data to a medium using different protocol, a translator is included in the connection. Example: The bridge is used to connect a token-ring LAN to an Ethernet LAN