What is the largest data frame size in bytes that can traverse a WLAN without fragmentation?

The largest data frame size that can traverse a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) without fragmentation is 2,346 bytes. This maximum size is determined by the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) of the standard protocols used in WLANs, which is typically set based on the size constraints of the underlying technologies.

In the context of WLANs, the Data Link layer is governed by the IEEE 802.11 standards, and when considering the overhead that is introduced by these protocols, the effective size for data frames is reduced. The 2,346 bytes figure is specifically influenced by the need to accommodate the headers and protocols that encapsulate the data, which contributes to the overall frame size and can lead to fragmentation if exceeded.

When data frames exceed this maximum size, they must be fragmented into smaller pieces to be transmitted effectively without loss. Fragmentation can lead to inefficiencies and potential issues in transmission, such as increased latency and reduced performance due to the need for reassembly on the receiving end.

The other options present larger sizes, such as 1,500 bytes, 4,000 bytes, and 6,000 bytes, which either pertain to different contexts or network types where the permitted frame sizes may vary but do not apply