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Glossary Networking

Packet

A packet is a small unit of data sent across a network, made of a header with addressing information and a payload carrying the actual content.

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In more detail

Networks split every file, page or call into packets, send each by whatever route is available and reassemble them at the destination. On Ethernet the usual maximum packet size (MTU) is 1,500 bytes. Captured packets can be saved in a PCAP file and analysed.

See also

  • Glossary TCP
    TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is the transport protocol that delivers data reliably and in order between two programs.
  • Glossary PCAP
    PCAP is the file format for storing captured network packets, produced by tools such as tcpdump and Wireshark for later analysis.
  • Glossary Bandwidth
    Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data a connection can carry per second, usually quoted in megabits per second (Mbps).
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