Determine mtu windows xp

It therefore indicates the maximum size of a data packet, so that it can be transmitted via a protocol. If a data packet is larger, it becomes fragmented — i. Now the bakery has ordered 5 packages 5 x 1. What is he doing now? He fragments our sugar packets and divides them into 1kg and 0. So he needs two packages for transmission of one of our initial sugar packages.

In addition, the postman has more work, because he has to mark which packages belong together. In the IT, we send a data package by ping command and tell ping the size of the package as well as the info that this package should not be fragmented. If the packet size is too large, ping tells us that the package is not ok and that the package had to be fragmented, if it shall be send sucessfully.

Now we reduce the packet size until the error message of the fragmentation is omitted. This gives us the optimal package size. To determine the optimal MTU in Windows, we use the ping command in the console. Now we repeat the call and reduce the buffer size in example with each call. To get the MTU size we add 28 bytes header infos. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts.

Related Articles. Author Info Last Updated: July 20, Part 1. Launch the command prompt. From your desktop, click on "Start" to launch your Programs menu. This will call the command prompt by launching a black window. Search for the command prompt. Click on "Start," then "All Programs. Click on "Command Prompt. Set ping syntax. In the command prompt window, type the following syntax: ping [url] [-f] [-l] [MTU value].

This is quite technical, but just follow the syntax. The next few steps will explain the parameters of the syntax. Set a URL. This is the website the command will send a ping to. For example, use www. Set a test packet size. Try to start with Send the ping. Read the diagnosis. After the ping, the results will be shown on the command prompt.

Proceed to step 8. Although this simple test is accurate for testing end points, users may find that a lower MTU may be better for their particular circumstances. More detailed information about the effects of MTU can be found here. Please refer to the end of this article.

Please reference the following steps: The command for this ping test is ping www. Notice that the packet needs to be fragmented. Figure 1. Step 3 Drop the test packet size down 10 or 12 bytes and test again. Notice that the packet still needs to be fragmented. Figure 2. Step 4 Drop the test packet size down more and test again until your reach a packet size that does not fragment.

Figure 3. Step 6 Take the maximum packet size from the ping test and add Remember: You must add 28 to your results from the ping test!

Problems connecting to my VPN or my applications stall and time out. There are usually two common problems associated with VPN connectivity.