GATE CS 2024 Set 2 — Question 28

MSQ+1 / -0EasyIPv4 Packet & FragmentationNetwork Layer: AddressingComputer Networks

Computer Networks → Network Layer: Addressing → IPv4 Packet & Fragmentation

Last updated

Question

Which of the following statements about IPv4 fragmentation is/are TRUE?
A.
The fragmentation of an IP datagram is performed only at the source of the datagram
B.
The fragmentation of an IP datagram is performed at any IP router which finds that the size of the datagram to be transmitted exceeds the MTU
C.
The reassembly of fragments is performed only at the destination of the datagram
D.
The reassembly of fragments is performed at all intermediate routers along the path from the source to the destination

Correct answer

(B) The fragmentation of an IP datagram is performed at any IP router which finds that the size of the datagram to be transmitted exceeds the MTU; (C) The reassembly of fragments is performed only at the destination of the datagram

Solution

In IPv4, fragmentation can be performed by the source host or by any intermediate router if the packet size exceeds the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) of the outgoing link. Therefore, statement (A) is false and (B) is true. Reassembly of these fragments is performed only at the final destination to avoid the overhead of reassembling and potentially re-fragmenting at every intermediate hop. Thus, statement (C) is true and (D) is false.

More questions on Network Layer: Addressing

Practice GATE CS PYQs with adaptive difficulty

Timed practice, skill tracking, and AI explanations — free to start.

Start practicing free