# MTU

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mtu
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

Stands for Maximum Transmission Unit. The largest size of a data packet that can be sent over a network connection at one time.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Maximum Transmission Unit. The largest size of a protocol data unit, measured in octets, that can be communicated in a single network layer transaction.

## Examples

- The standard MTU for an Ethernet network is 1500 bytes.
- If the MTU is set too high, the network might drop packets that are too large for certain routers to handle.
- Network administrators often adjust the MTU to optimize throughput and reduce fragmentation, particularly when dealing with the overhead introduced by VPN tunneling protocols.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in technical contexts regarding networking and data protocols.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.