On April 24, 2024, the author delves into the world of Ethernet frames, highlighting the unusual number of 1500 bytes for the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU). The author explains the interesting history behind this number, involving the size of an Ethernet header, the Xerox Alto computer, and the need for cost-saving measures in the early days of network development. The content challenges modern sensibilities by showcasing the seemingly risky decisions made in the past due to the lack of network security concerns. It sheds light on how many of today’s tech standards are rooted in the practical constraints of older, less advanced hardware.
https://exple.tive.org/blarg/2024/04/24/magic-numbers/