How is data transmitted in an Ethernet network?

Data transmission in an Ethernet network occurs in frames. In Ethernet technology, a frame refers to a specific data packet structure that includes not only the payload (the actual data being transmitted) but also essential information such as source and destination MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, error-checking codes, and other control information needed for proper data handling across the network.

Frames are designed to facilitate communication at the data link layer of the OSI model, where Ethernet operates. Each frame encapsulates a unit of data, allowing the receiving device to understand both where the data originated from and where it is intended to go, as well as to verify the integrity of the data during transmission. This framing method ensures that devices on the Ethernet network can efficiently and accurately interpret and transmit data without confusion, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability and performance of networked communications.

In contrast, while packets, streams, and bytes are terms associated with data transmission in general or in other contexts, they do not specifically capture the structure or nature of data transmission in an Ethernet network as effectively as frames do. Utilizing frames allows Ethernet protocols to manage data transfer in a way that accommodates various network conditions and addresses the requirements of different network devices.