IP Fragmentation
IP fragmentation splits a packet that exceeds the link MTU into multiple fragment packets, reassembled at the destination.
Purpose
It lets a host send packets larger than the link MTU when the path MTU is unknown or DF=0, with routers performing the fragmentation.
Mechanism
A router splits an oversized packet into fragments, each carrying the same ID plus an offset and the MF flag. The destination reassembles by ID and offset. Losing one fragment discards the whole packet, making fragmentation inefficient.
Use cases
- Sending large UDP payloads
- Legacy fragmentation-tolerant paths
- DF=0 transfers
Related tools
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