PDU

Information that is formatted as a distinct element to be exchanged between network peers. A PDU has a specific function or set of functions, such as user data and control functions, including addressing, sequencing, and error detection.
In the context of a layered protocol stack or suite, a unit of data specified in a given layer, including payload and overhead. At the Data Link Layer, a PDU is a frame, at the Network Layer, a packet, and at the Application Layer, a message. See also bit stream, frame, message, overhead, packet, payload, protocol stack, and protocol suite.

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