fragment

The term fragment is used in the transmission of large data packets. A fragment is a part of a larger data packet that has been divided into several smaller units.

The process of dividing a larger data packet into smaller units is called fragmenting.

Fragments are formed when the packet size to be transmitted exceeds the allowed packet size of a router or a network. The technique of fragmenting is used, for example, at the transition between networks when the networks to be connected have different frame lengths. For example, at the transition between Token Ring and Ethernet.