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Home / Glossary / MTU
Glossary · Networking

MTU

Maximum Transmission Unit

In plain language

The largest chunk of data that can be sent over a network link in one piece.

The metaphor

Like the biggest parcel a mail slot will take: anything larger has to be split up.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Bigger pieces are cut into smaller ones if needed.
  • VPNs add extra wrapping, so they lower the usable size.
  • A wrong setting causes some sites or files to hang while others work.
  • The default is right for most networks.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

After a new VPN went in, staff could open email but large attachments hung. Lowering the size setting on the VPN fixed it.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the managed firewall and switches that sit behind your provider's modem.

In practice
  • A VPN user cannot load certain web pages.
  • A technician lowers a setting to fix hanging uploads.
  • A firewall log shows packets being split.

A question owners ask

When does it matter?

Only when something works for small items and fails for big ones, usually over a VPN. Your IT provider can adjust it.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

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