Fragmentation
What is IPv6 Fragmentation?
IPv6 Fragmentation refers to the process of breaking down large packets into smaller fragments to accommodate networks with smaller Maximum Transmission Units (MTUs). In IPv6, fragmentation is handled differently than in IPv4.
Why is IPv6 Fragmentation useful?
It ensures that packets can traverse networks with varying MTU sizes without being dropped, improving reliability and performance in heterogeneous network environments.
How does IPv6 Fragmentation work?
Unlike IPv4, only the source node can fragment packets in IPv6. Intermediate routers do not perform fragmentation. The source uses Fragment Extension Headers to send fragments, and the destination reassembles them.
Where is IPv6 Fragmentation used?
It is used when sending packets larger than the path MTU, especially over networks with smaller MTU limits, such as some VPNs, tunnels, or wireless links.
Which OSI layer does IPv6 Fragmentation belong to?
IPv6 Fragmentation operates at the Network Layer (Layer 3), managing packet size and routing.
Is IPv6 Fragmentation Windows specific?
No, IPv6 fragmentation is part of the IPv6 protocol standard and is implemented across all platforms supporting IPv6.
Is IPv6 Fragmentation Linux specific?
No, Linux supports IPv6 fragmentation as part of its standard network stack.
Which Transport Protocol is used by IPv6 Fragmentation?
Fragmentation occurs at the IP layer and is independent of transport protocols, but it affects all transport protocols such as TCP and UDP that operate over IPv6.
Is IPv6 Fragmentation using client-server model?
Fragmentation is a network-layer function and is independent of communication models like client-server or peer-to-peer.
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