Jumbo Frames

Jumbo frames are Ethernet frames that are larger than 1518 bytes. You can use Jumbo Frames to reduce server CPU utilization and increase throughput. However, additional latency may be introduced. 

NOTES: Jumbo Frames are supported at 1000 Mbps and 10Gbps. Using Jumbo Frames at 10 or 100 Mbps may result in poor performance or loss of link. End-to-end network hardware must support this capability; otherwise, packets will be dropped.

Jumbo Frames can be implemented simultaneously with VLANs and teaming.

To configure Jumbo Frames at the switch, consult your network administrator or switch user's guide.

Restrictions:

• Jumbo frames are not supported in multi-vendor team configurations.

• Supported protocols are limited to IP (TCP, UDP).

• Jumbo frames require compatible switch connections that forward Jumbo Frames. Contact your switch vendor for more information.

• When standard sized Ethernet frames (64 to 1518 bytes) are used, there is no benefit to configuring Jumbo Frames.

• The Jumbo Frames setting on the switch must be set to at least 8 bytes larger than the adapter setting for Microsoft* Windows* operating systems, and at least 22 bytes larger for all other operating systems.

• The Intel® PRO/1000 PL Network Connection supports jumbo frames in Microsoft* Windows* operating systems only when Intel® PROSet for Windows Device Manager is installed.

• The following devices do not support jumbo frames larger than 4096 bytes:

  • Intel® 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection

  • Intel® 82578DM Gigabit Network Connection.

• The following devices do not support jumbo frames:

  • Intel® 82578DC Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82577LC Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82583V Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82567LF-3 Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82567V-2 Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82567LF-2 Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82567V Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82567LF Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® PRO/1000 Gigabit Server Adapter
  • Intel® PRO/1000 PM Network Connection
  • Intel® PRO/1000 PM Network Connection
  • Intel® 82562V 10/100 Network Connection
  • Intel® 82562GT 10/100 Network Connection
  • Intel® 82566DM Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82566DC Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82566DC-2 Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82562V-2 10/100 Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82562G-2 10/100 Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82562GT-2 10/100 Gigabit Network Connection
  • Intel® 82552 10/100 Network Connection

Setting Up Jumbo Frames in Microsoft* Windows*

NOTE: Jumbo frames are not supported in multi-vendor team configurations.

1. Open Microsoft* Windows* Device Manager.

2. Open Properties on your adapter.

3. Click the Advanced tab.

4. Select Jumbo Frames from the list of advanced features.

5. Set your desired packet size (based on network capability).

6. Click OK to apply the changes. 

All equipment on the network must also support the larger frame size. When setting up Jumbo Frames on other network devices, be aware that different network devices calculate Jumbo Frame size differently. Some devices include the header information in the frame size while others do not. Intel adapters do not include header information in the frame size. When configuring Jumbo Frames on a switch, set the frame size four bytes higher for CRC, plus four bytes if you are using VLANs or QoS packet tagging.

Last modified on 12/16/09 1:29p Revision 34