Reason for minimum Ethernet frame size

BlackDragon · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:09

Ok I know what the minimum frame size was, but what was the reason for it? I did know it but my mind has gone blank and can't quite remember. Been googling around but haven't been able to find much.

Think it was something to do with making sure the packet reaches all nodes on the same segment before it finishes sending, but can't quite remember the reasoning for this.

Help much appreciated!

BlackDragon · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:16

Nevermind, remembered it again after i posted d'oh!

mynsa · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:36

you could post the reason why, would be interested to know

rpstewart · 27 Feb 2008 at 22:16

BlackDragon said:
Think it was something to do with making sure the packet reaches all nodes on the same segment before it finishes sending, but can't quite remember the reasoning for this.

Yep, Ethernet is based on a CSMA/CD (carrier sense multiple access with collision detection) access scheme so all nodes on the segment must be aware of sent packets to avoid collisions. The minimum frame length ensures that this happens