Packet

Data units · Beginner

A network-layer unit of data that carries source and destination protocol addresses so routers can forward it between networks.

This is the piece routers forward. It can travel across many links, and each link wraps it in a new local frame.

Example: A router receives a frame, reads the packet's destination address, chooses a next hop, and builds a new frame for the outgoing link.

Common misconception

People casually call every capture a packet capture, but a frame and a packet are different layers.