The Start Frame Delimiter (SFD) is the 8-bit (1-byte) value marking the end of the preamble of an Ethernet frame. The SFD is immediately followed by the destination MAC address. It has the value 10101011.
The preamble of an Ethernet frame consists of a 56-bit (7-byte) pattern of alternating 1 and 0 bits, which allows devices on the network to easily detect a new incoming frame. The SFD is designed to break this pattern, and signal the start of the actual frame.
Famous quotes containing the words start and/or frame:
“A single spark can start a prairie fire.”
—Chinese proverb.
“From Harmony, from heavenly Harmony
This universal Frame began:
From Harmony to Harmony
Through all the Compass of the Notes it ran,
The Diapason closing full in Man.”
—John Dryden (1631–1700)