Layer 3 Versus Layer 2 Packet Fragmentation Analysis
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Packet Fragmentation: Layer 3 vs. Layer 2
As mentioned in the “Link-Layer Fragmentation and Interleaving” section, PPP, Frame Relay, ATM, and other WAN technologies support fragmenting packets (frames) at Layer 2. As you may have learned in basic networking classes, IP can also fragment packets at Layer 3. What are some advantages and disadvantages of fragmenting at Layer 3 versus fragmenting at Layer 2?
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages (Layer 3 Fragmentation): Large packets can be transmitted at Layer 2 as fragmentation is done at Layer 3. This reduces the number of acknowledgment exchanges. Also, maintaining the order of fragments to ensure the order of transmission and reassembly is not required.
- Disadvantages (Layer 3 Fragmentation)