block size in networking

[Vivek Dasgupta]

Hi Clove,

There is no block size as such, in networking.  A basic unit of data
transfer in networking is called a packet. There is no fixed size as
such for a packet, unlike a sector or block size in storage. However
the packet size is generally determined by the MTU (Maximum
Transmission Unit), or the PMTU of the interface/path.  The link speed
of the network interface together with the link bandwidth will be a
major factor in determining throughput. Another thing that can affect
the network throughput is the send/ receive buffer size configured for
the OS. In addition there are offload techniques (TSO/GSO/LRO/GRO)
which can also make an impact on the throughput.


Cheers
Vivek

On Thu, Dec 5, 2013 at 4:52 PM, Robert Clove <cloverobert at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Can anyone please through some light on what is block size in networking and
> how does it effect the TCP/UDP throughput?
>
>
> Thanks
> Clove
>
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