Thursday , 14 March 2024

Configuring MTU Settings Properly Using Ping Test Results For Size

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In computer networking, MTU stands for Maximum Transmission Unit. If you stream videos or download files often, you may have noticed that it can make your internet connection lag when searching for something as simple as searching for the lifelock number. This is directly tied to your computer’s MTU. Thankfully, you can increase the MTU settings on your computer. This will allow you to increase your internet access speed. If you are interested in learning how to adjust the MTU settings on your computer, keep reading below for a complete guide.

What Are MTU Settings?

The MTU is the largest data packet that can be carried over a network connection. MTU is measured in bytes. A higher MTU brings greater efficiency when working on your computer and drive savers because each network packet carries more user data. However, there is a downside to increasing the MTU settings on your computer. For example, large packets occupy a slow link longer than a smaller packet. This can cause delays in subsequent packets, which will only add to your lagging problem. Additionally, large packets may be more effected by communication errors. One mistake in the data or code will require the entire packet to be re-transmitted. Despite these possible issues however, increasing the MTU settings on your computer can be a viable solution to a slow internet connection.

How Do I Adjust The Settings?

If you feel that changing your MTU settings is the best option for your overclocked CPU, there are a few routes you can take. First, you must determine what device you are hoping to alter. MTU settings are not only set on computers and laptops. The MTU settings of your network can also effect game consoles, such as an XBox. If you are hoping to change the MTU settings for your game console, you will need to adjust your router settings on the computer. If you are hoping to adjust the speed on a computer or laptop, you can also do so from that device. Once you have determined what you need to use, you can begin to change your MTU settings. There are two ways that you can go about this, each of which is dependent upon the type of connection you have.

Finding The Right MTU Configuration

Configuring MTU requires first knowing the proper MTU size for the network you are working on. There is one easy way to figure out the right size for your network. Doing a simple DOS Ping test will do just that. Keep sending ping requests, lowering the packet size until it does not need to be fragmented anymore. This is a simple way to make sure you are correctly configuring MTU to your particular network’s size needs.

Ping Test Results

After doing a Ping test, you may be confused by your results, especially if you use Mythbuntu. There are five possible results that you may want to familiarize yourself with before conducting a ping test to determine MTU size. Your test may result in four replies received, which means that the packet size is within the MTU size used in your network. Destination net unreachable results indicate that there was no route to the specified destination. Request timed out results mean that no response was rendered within the default wait time period of one second. Packet needs to be fragmented by DF set means that your chose packet size was too high for the MTU value. Finally, the last option you may encounter is bad parameter -f, which simple means you type out the command incorrectly. After becoming familiar with these ping test results, you are ready to determine proper MTU configurations using a ping test.

Ethernet-Based Connection

An Ethernet-based connection means that your computer or laptop is plugged into a modem. Make sure that this is the type of connection you have before proceeding. If you have an Ethernet-based connection, you are in luck. The process for adjusting your MTU settings will be fairly straightforward. First, you will have to locate the System Preferences menu. Open the Network pane. On this page should be an option that says “Built-in Ethernet.” Click this and then click “Ethernet” and find the “Configure” menu. There should be an option that allows you to manually configure your settings. Finally, click “Custom” and define your desired MTU settings. Remember that MTU is measured in bytes. Some generally used MTU settings are anywhere between 500 and 1500. Decide what amount is right for you for media monitoring using the ping test mentioned above. Once you have done this, you will be able to experience the speed benefits it brings.

Wireless Connection

If you have a wireless connection, increasing your MTU settings may be slightly more challenging. In order to begin, you will have to log into the Administrator’s account on your computer. You should be the default administrator if nobody else has an account on your device. Once you are logged in, you will need to open up the Terminal located in Applications/Utilities. Enter this command: “sudo ifconfig en1 mtu” followed directly by the MTU size you want. For example, if you want an MTU settings size of 1100 you would enter: “sudo ifconfig en1 mtu 1100.” Finally, you will be prompted to provide a password in order to approve the new settings. If you are adjusting the MTU settings on a wireless connection, whether you use a large tablet or a desktop to do so, make sure that there are no errors in the command you enter as this will invalidate your desired settings. While customizing your MTU settings for a wireless connection may be a bit more involved, you will be happy you did it in the end.

If you want to increase your internet connection, you should consider changing your MTU settings. Consider the pros and cons of adjusting your settings. Most likely, you will be able to enjoy a smooth connection with increased MTU settings. Test it out on your computer and let us know how it goes in the comments below.

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