What is commonly used to detect errors in Ethernet frames?

The frame check sequence (FCS) is a crucial component in Ethernet frames used for error detection. It operates by adding a sequence of bits to the end of the data frame that is derived from the contents of the frame using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) algorithm. When a frame is transmitted, the receiver calculates its own FCS based on the frame it receives and compares it to the FCS that was sent. If the two values differ, this indicates that errors occurred during transmission, meaning the frame is likely damaged or corrupted. Consequently, the receiving device can discard the erroneous frame and request retransmission if necessary.

This mechanism is fundamental to maintaining data integrity in network communications, ensuring that only accurate and uncorrupted data frames are processed. The emphasis on error detection enhances the reliability of Ethernet as a networking technology. Other options, though related to data and transmission, do not fulfill the role of specifically detecting errors in the context of Ethernet frames.