How many bytes are in a standard Ethernet header?

A standard Ethernet header is composed of 14 bytes, which is structured as follows:

• The first 6 bytes are the destination MAC address.

• The next 6 bytes are the source MAC address.

• The final 2 bytes are the Ethertype field, which indicates the protocol encapsulated in the payload (such as IPv4 or IPv6).

This 14-byte header is essential for the correct functioning of the Ethernet protocol, allowing devices on the same local network to identify each other and establish data communication effectively. The design of this header facilitates the essential functions of networking, such as addressing and frame delimiting, ensuring that data is transmitted to the correct destination within the broadcast domain.