If the IHL value is 5, the IPv4 header length is how many bytes?

Study for the Internet Protocol Version 4 Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Master the exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

If the IHL value is 5, the IPv4 header length is how many bytes?

Explanation:
The IHL field shows how many 32-bit words make up the IPv4 header. Each word is 4 bytes, so multiply the IHL by 4 to get the header length in bytes. An IHL of five means five words × 4 bytes per word = 20 bytes. This is also the minimum header length since the smallest header has no options. The other options would require a different number of 32-bit words (for example, 10 bytes would be 2.5 words, which isn’t possible; 16 bytes is 4 words; 24 bytes is 6 words), so they don’t fit with an IHL of five. Therefore, the header length is 20 bytes.

The IHL field shows how many 32-bit words make up the IPv4 header. Each word is 4 bytes, so multiply the IHL by 4 to get the header length in bytes. An IHL of five means five words × 4 bytes per word = 20 bytes. This is also the minimum header length since the smallest header has no options. The other options would require a different number of 32-bit words (for example, 10 bytes would be 2.5 words, which isn’t possible; 16 bytes is 4 words; 24 bytes is 6 words), so they don’t fit with an IHL of five. Therefore, the header length is 20 bytes.

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