Broken packets: IP fragmentation is flawed

The text discusses packet switching in internet networks and how it relates to Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) sizes. It explains that the IPv4 specification defines minimal requirements for packet handling, including a minimum permitted datagram size of 576 octets and a requirement that each physical link must be able to transmit datagrams of at least 68 bytes. The text also covers problems with fragmentation and how they can be mitigated through techniques like Path MTU Discovery and DF (Don't Fragment) flag in the IP header. It highlights issues related to middle boxes, ECMP load balancing, and server misconfigurations that can cause Path MTU problems. The text concludes by emphasizing the importance of Ethernet and its standard MTU size of 1500 bytes for the functioning of internet networks.