What is interframe gap?

The interframe gap (IFG) is a small pause or delay inserted between frames of data in a digital transmission system such as Ethernet. It serves as a buffer between frames to allow for processing and transmission of subsequent frames. The IFG is measured in units of time and is typically set to a fixed value depending on the network protocol being used.

The length of the IFG varies depending on the network technology and speed. For example, for Ethernet, the IFG is typically around 96-bit times at a data rate of 10 Mbps and is reduced to 12-bit times at 100 Mbps. The IFG also helps to prevent collisions between frames, as it allows all the devices on the network to recover from the previous transmission before the next frame is sent.

Overall, the interframe gap plays an important role in the efficient and reliable transmission of data in digital networks.