Payload in Computer Networks Last Updated : 14 Apr, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report During the transmission of data using Internet Protocol from sender to receiver, data is sent in the form of packets. Each packet contains a header and data, which is referred to as payload. Headers are appended to payload for transport and are discarded once they successfully reach their destination. If this payload is malicious it can infect the systems.Payload lengthPayload length is simply the size of actual data being sent in a packet, not including extra information like headers or control data. When data is sent over a network, it's broken into smaller pieces called packets. Each packet contains two main parts: the header (which holds information about how to route and control data) and the payload (which contains actual data you want to send).Total packet length = Header length + Payload length.Payload length = Total packet length - Header length. The 16-bits size of this field limits its maximum value to 65,535 (64KB), which applies to payload length.Payload length is important because it indicates the size of useful data that is being transported and can affect network performance and efficiency.Payload in IPv6 FormatIPv6 Header – Fixed size of 40 bytes.Payload – This includes:Any extension headers (optional but important).The upper-layer data (e.g., TCP, UDP, ICMPv6).The application data (like the contents of a web page or an email).This is the format of the latest IPv6 Header Format. The length of the payload is 16bits. Payload in IPv4 FormatIPv4 FormatAn IPv4 packet is divided into two main parts:Header: Contains metadata and control information such as source and destination IP addresses, protocol type, time-to-live (TTL), and others. Minimum 20 bytes, but can be longer if options are use.Payload: The actual data being transmitted (e.g., HTTP data, file contents, etc.), which follows the header. The rest of the packet, up to a total size of 65,535 bytes.The size of the payload can vary depending on the total size of the packet and the size of the header. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article Payload in Computer Networks Z zack_aayush Follow Improve Article Tags : Computer Networks GATE CS Write From Home Similar Reads Socket in Computer Network A socket is one endpoint of a two way communication link between two programs running on the network. The socket mechanism provides a means of inter-process communication (IPC) by establishing named contact points between which the communication take place. How Sockets Work in Computer NetworksLike 2 min read TCP/IP in Computer Networking Introduction : TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a suite of communication protocols that define the standards for transmitting data over computer networks, including the internet. The TCP/IP protocol is the foundation of the internet and enables devices to communicate with 8 min read Computer Network Tutorial A Computer Network is a system where two or more devices are linked together to share data, resources and information. These networks can range from simple setups, like connecting two devices in your home, to massive global systems, like the Internet. Below are the main components of a computer netw 7 min read Dimensions of Computer Network Dimensions of computer networks mean under what characteristics or factors can the computer networks be categorized. Computer networks can be divided into different groups under the pattern which recognizes the transmission of information or messages by the sender to the receiver and the area it cov 3 min read Protocol and Standard in Computer Networks Protocols and standards are important in computer networks. They are like the rules and guidelines that allow different devices and systems to communicate and work together smoothly. Protocols define how data is sent, received, and processed, while standards ensure that various technologies are comp 9 min read Like