Network Protocols and Transport

Data Segmentation & Sequensing

Typically, the protocol driver can accept relatively large messages for a transmission, but there are strict frame-size imposed by lower layers. Consequently, the protocol driver must break up or segment the message into smaller units.

The smaller units are sent separately along with control information. Control information is attached in the form of header that is sent along with the frame.

This information enables the protocol on the other end to recognize message boundaries.

In order to deal with the potential problems of misordered data frames, duplicated data frames, and missing data frames, the header contains sequencing information.

This enables the protocol driver on the receiving end to get the pieces back together in the right order.