What is the term for splitting up an IP packet when forwarding it from one medium to another medium with a smaller MTU?encapsulation

The correct term for splitting up an IP packet when forwarding it from one medium to another medium with a smaller Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is known as fragmentation.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Understanding MTU: The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is the size of the largest packet that can be transmitted over a network interface. Different networks may support different MTUs.

2. Need for Fragmentation: When a packet is larger than the MTU of the next network segment, it cannot be transmitted without modifications. Thus, fragmentation occurs to ensure that the entire packet can be sent without exceeding the MTU limits of the network.

3. Process of Fragmentation: During fragmentation, the original packet is divided into smaller packets or fragments that fit within the MTU limit. Each fragment contains a portion of the original data and appropriate headers, including identification numbers for reassembly processes.

4. Reassembly: Once the fragments arrive at their destination, they are reassembled into the original packet by the receiving device, allowing the data to be processed as a whole.

In conclusion, fragmentation is a crucial mechanism in networking that ensures data integrity during transmission across networks with varying MTU sizes, optimizing data flow and efficiency in network communication.