Maximum segment size determines the largest amount of data a device can handle without breaking it into smaller components. It affects web page loading speed and online functions. MTU size determines maximum segment size, which is calculated by subtracting header size from MTU size. If the segment is too large, it will be fragmented and served at a slower pace.
Maximum segment size has to do with defining the largest amount of data that a computer system or other type of communication device can efficiently handle without breaking the data into smaller components. Typically, the maximum segment size is calculated as the number of bytes the device can handle at one time. The maximum segment size has a lot to do with how quickly web pages will load in a browser, as well as how quickly other online functions, such as connections and updates to online databases, can take place.
Simply referred to as MSS in most cases, the maximum segment size plays a huge role in the speed and efficiency of web browsing. Whenever the connection between the end user and the Internet service provider is established, both the provider and the end user level communication device must mutually establish an acceptable speed of operation and data transfer. This action relies on the capability of the systems at both ends of the connection. The process of evaluating and agreeing on this transfer rate is known as setting the MTU size.
Determining the MTU size is essential for determining the maximum segment size. Typically, a computer residing in a home environment and using a dial-up connection would generate an MTU size of 1500 bytes or less. Headers are typically about 40 bytes long. By subtracting the size of the header from the size of the MTU, the maximum segment size can be determined.
Assuming that the maximum segment size is sufficient to allow all data segments to be transferred without fragmenting the segments, the web page is likely to complete relatively quickly. However, if the data segment is too large for the maximum segment size established between the ISP and the end user’s computer, the segment will need to be broken up into smaller fragments which will go through the routing process. The end result is that the web page will be served at a significantly slower pace.
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