Definition
A packet buffer is a temporary storage area that holds data packets as they transmit between different parts of a network or when there is a speed variation at which data is sent or received. It helps prevent network congestion.
How Packet Buffer Works
- Incoming data packets at a network device (like a router) may not be processed immediately because of speed variation or are meant to go to different destinations.
- The devices place the data packets in a packet buffer instead of processing each packet immediately.
- The packet buffer processes incoming packets in a first-in, first-out order.
- When the device wants to transmit data packets to various destinations, the packet buffer can organize them into separate queues for each path or destination.
- Packets are retrieved from the buffer and processed when the device is ready, or network conditions allow.
- Packet buffers can manage congestion by temporarily stopping to accept new packets to avoid network overload.