What is Frame?

Understanding Frame

Data represented at Layer 2 of the Open Systems Interconnection OSI model. A frame is a unit of data transmission at the data link layer Layer 2 of the OSI model. It encapsulates the Layer 3 packet with addressing information typically MAC addresses and error-checking fields needed for transmission across the physical network. Frame types vary by network technology Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.. Frame security considerations are addressed in standards like IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control. Organizations secure frame-level communications through MAC filtering, network segmentation, IEEE 802.1X authentication, and monitoring for suspicious frame activities like MAC spoofing. For example, an organization might implement port security on network switches that limits which MAC addresses can connect to each port, preventing unauthorized devices from accessing the network at the frame level. Related terms: OSI model, Data link layer, MAC address, Ethernet, IEEE 802.1X, Network frame, Layer 2 security.