Packet vs Frame

Discussion in 'Network+' started by simonp83, Jul 23, 2009.

  1. simonp83

    simonp83 Kilobyte Poster

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    Just going through Chapter 2 in the AIO Network+ book and deals with NIC sending Frames of data across a network, but i've always dealt with Packets of information being sent. Is there a difference between the 2?
     
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  2. Qs

    Qs Semi-Honorary Member Gold Member

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    Re-read your OSI model.

    Layer 2 = Frames
    Layer 3 = Packets

    I don't know how deep the N+ goes, but in laymen's terms they're both descriptions for messages.

    Qs

    EDIT - Thought as much. Here's an article for you - Link
     
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  3. simonp83

    simonp83 Kilobyte Poster

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    Layer 2 is Data Link and Layer 3 is Network? ? ?
     
    Certifications: A+, MCP, MCDST, MCTS, MCITP
    WIP: 70-291
  4. Qs

    Qs Semi-Honorary Member Gold Member

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    Overview

    • Frames and Packets are both defined as being a message transmitted over a protocol.
    • Packets exist at Layer 3 and Frames exist at Layer 2.
    • Layer 2 is the Data Link Layer. The best known Data Link Layer protocol is Ethernet.
    • Layer 3 is the Network Layer. The best know Network Layer protocol is IP (Internet Protocol).

    The difference is this....

    FRAME

    If a packet has a particular MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit = size) then it needs to be 'framed' and uses a different protocol and a different layer of the OSI model.


    PACKET

    Smaller sized (smaller MTU) packets can transmit lower down the model as they're smaller and don't need to be framed.


    That clear things up? :)

    Qs
     
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  5. craigie

    craigie Terabyte Poster

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    Mate, read some more of your book, things will start to become clearer.
     
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  6. simonp83

    simonp83 Kilobyte Poster

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    Going through slowly, A+ and MCDST were easy as i had so much experience in the area...Network+ should be more....enjoyable.

    Thank you for the explanations though QS, very helpful.
     
    Certifications: A+, MCP, MCDST, MCTS, MCITP
    WIP: 70-291

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