Network Hardware Ethernet Performance

[amiv4]

Homework Statement

I'm looking at an Ethernet direct link network with media access control between two computers. What effect will changing the packet size have on the Ethernet performance?

The Attempt at a Solution

I think if the packet size is increased then the number of collisions is also increased.True? Also with an increased packet size there are less packets received within a period of time because it takes longer for those packets to transmit, so the other computer trying to transmit has to wait longer till it knows the carrier and it can begin transmitting. True? Anything else?

 

[KataKoniK]

Hello,

Your understanding is partially correct. Increasing the packet size can indeed increase the number of collisions, as larger packets take longer to transmit and therefore have a higher chance of overlapping with other packets. However, this is not the only effect that changing the packet size can have on Ethernet performance.

Another important factor to consider is the network's bandwidth. By increasing the packet size, you are essentially sending more data in a single packet. This can lead to a more efficient use of the available bandwidth, as less time and resources are required to transmit the same amount of data. However, if the packet size is too large, it can also lead to congestion and slow down the network.

Additionally, changing the packet size can also impact the overall network latency. Larger packets take longer to transmit and can increase the overall delay in communication between the two computers. This can be particularly problematic in real-time applications, such as video conferencing or online gaming.

In summary, changing the packet size can have both positive and negative effects on Ethernet performance. It is important to carefully consider the network's requirements and limitations when determining the optimal packet size for efficient communication.