Frame Check Sequence

lightbulb

Frame Check Sequence

Frame Check Sequence (FCS) is a data link layer protocol used to detect errors in data transmission by appending a checksum to each frame. The receiver calculates its own FCS value and compares it to the received one, indicating any potential data corruption.

What does Frame Check Sequence mean?

A Frame Check Sequence (FCS) is a method for detecting errors in data transmission by using a checksum. It is an error-detecting code appended to the end of a frame or packet of data that allows the receiver to verify the Integrity of the data. FCS is a type of Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), which is a mathematical algorithm that calculates a checksum value based on the data in the frame or packet.

The receiver calculates a new FCS value based on the data it receives and compares it to the FCS value in the frame or packet. If the two values match, then the data is considered to be error-free. If the two values do not match, then an error has occurred and the data must be discarded.

FCS is used in a variety of applications, including data communications, computer networks, and storage devices. It is an important part of error control in these applications and helps to ensure the integrity of data transmissions.

Applications

FCS is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Data communications: FCS is used in data communications to detect errors in data transmissions. It is used in both wired and wireless networks, and is an important part of error control in these applications.
  • Computer networks: FCS is used in computer networks to detect errors in data transmissions between computers. It is used in both local Area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), and is an important part of error control in these applications.
  • Storage devices: FCS is used in storage devices to detect errors in data storage. It is used in both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), and is an important part of error control in these applications.

History

The development of FCS can be traced back to the early days of data communications. In the early days, data was transmitted over unreliable Media, such as telephone lines and radio waves. These media were prone to errors, and a reliable method was needed to detect and correct these errors.

In the 1960s, a number of error-detecting codes were developed, including the FCS. The FCS was quickly adopted by the data communications industry, and it has become one of the most widely used error-detecting codes in use today.

The FCS has been standardized by a number of organizations, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These standards ensure that FCS is used consistently across different applications and devices.