Why is length of Ethernet Type field 2 bytes?

Question

There are few types of Ethernet but then also we have 2 bytes for Ethernet Type in the frame structure. Is this not a wastage of space by under utilization of space? I mean is 1 byte not enough to fit all the possibilities of Ethernet Types or is it some other reason?

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Oct 19 '12 at 14:25

0

One possible reason is that those 2 bytes could be the payload length if LLC encapsulation. if length only 1 byte, then it's too small.

Also from the perspective of byte alignment, all fields (except payload) are at least 16 bit aligned.

answered Oct 19 '12 at 14:25

user1500049

993
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15

score -1 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 19 '12 at 07:02

-1

Look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethertype. It's protocol definition of that frame

answered Oct 19 '12 at 07:02

Jozef Dropčo

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I know it is the definition but is that not wastage of space? I want to know some logical reason behind this. – Vaibhav Agarwal Oct 19 '12 at 07:04

Why is length of Ethernet Type field 2 bytes?

2 Answers2