CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is the main advantage of using jumbo frames in networking?

1. Reduced packet fragmentation and increased transfer efficiency

2. Increased security through larger packet sizes

3. Lower latency by using smaller packet sizes

4. Compatibility with older network devices

The correct answer is: Reduced packet fragmentation and increased transfer efficiency

The main advantage of using jumbo frames in networking lies in their ability to reduce packet fragmentation and increase transfer efficiency. Jumbo frames are Ethernet frames that are larger than the standard maximum transmission unit (MTU) of 1500 bytes, often supporting sizes up to 9000 bytes or more. When larger frames are used, they can carry more data in a single transmission, which minimizes the overhead associated with each packet. Each packet sent over the network carries additional headers for addressing and control purposes. By sending fewer, larger packets, the total amount of overhead is reduced, allowing for more effective use of the available bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial in high-throughput environments, such as data centers or situations involving large data transfers, where the reduction in fragmentation leads to improved overall network performance and efficiency. The other options suggest benefits that do not align with the primary purposes of jumbo frames. For instance, while larger frames do not inherently improve security, they focus primarily on optimizing data transfer. Additionally, smaller packet sizes are typically associated with increased latency rather than lower latency. Furthermore, compatibility with older network devices is generally a different consideration, as many older devices may not support jumbo frames at all, potentially creating compatibility issues in mixed environments.