jdunn
June 27th, 2007, 02:14 AM
Tech support had me lower my MTU on my network card from 1500 to 1480. How does this help my home network (Network now works fine)
Archangel122184
June 27th, 2007, 12:09 PM
MTU = maximum transmission unit
The MTU is the maximum frame size your computer is allowed to transmit on the network. If the MTU set in your router is too high, your computer must use a method called IP segmentation to meet the network requirements. Basically, it cuts your packet up into a segment that is the maximum size and what ever is left... in your case since you had it set to 1500, you segmented into 1480 and 40 (don't mind the the fact those don't add to 1500... you have to worry about frame headers too). This causes some problems 2 ways: Increases overhead significantly over time and increases processing latency at the home router for every packet sent. By lowering the MTU in your home router to meet the network requirements, you took the load off their router and placed it on your home router (which is significantly less taxed and has the opportunity to do a much better job with segmentation since it receives larger bulk packets anyway).