unicastFrame

A unicast frame is a type of data transmission in computer networking where a single frame is sent from one network node to another specific node. This is in contrast to broadcast frames, which are sent to all nodes in a network, and multicast frames, which are sent to a group of nodes. Unicast frames are commonly used in Ethernet networks and are identified by a unique destination MAC address.

The structure of a unicast frame typically includes several fields. The preamble and start frame delimiter (SFD) are used for synchronization and indicate the start of the frame. The destination MAC address specifies the recipient of the frame, while the source MAC address identifies the sender. The length/type field indicates the size of the payload or the type of protocol being used. The payload contains the actual data being transmitted, and the frame check sequence (FCS) is used for error checking.

Unicast frames are essential for point-to-point communication, ensuring that data is delivered directly to the intended recipient. They are fundamental to the operation of many network protocols and applications, including TCP/IP, HTTP, and DNS. The use of unicast frames helps to optimize network performance by reducing unnecessary traffic and ensuring efficient data delivery.