Maximum transmission unit (MTU) refers to the largest possible size for a packet that can be transmitted over a network without fragmentation. It plays a critical role in ensuring efficient data transmission and avoiding network congestion.
The importance of MTU lies in optimizing network performance. When packets are fragmented into smaller units due to exceeding the MTU size, it introduces additional overhead and processing delays. By setting an appropriate MTU, networks can minimize fragmentation, reduce latency, and improve overall throughput.