1. A separate piece of something
2. One of the parts into which an entity, or quantity is divided or marked off by or as if by natural boundaries

In the context of data communication, the following definitions are used:

1. Section of a network that is bounded by bridges, routers, or switches.
2. In a LAN using a bus topology, a segment is a continuous electrical circuit that is often connected to other such segments with repeaters.
3. Term used in the TCP specification to describe a single transport layer unit of information. The terms datagram, frame, message, and packet are also used to describe logical information groupings at various layers of the OSI reference model and in various technology circles.

To properly define the term segment, the context of the usage must be presented with the word. If segment is used in the context of TCP, it would be defined as a separate piece of the data. If segment is being used in the context of physical networking media in a routed network, it would be seen as one of the parts or sections of the total network.

Interactive Media Activity Point and Click: Types of Segments After completing this activity, the student will understand the various meanings of the term segment.

   

Web Links Segment http://compnetworking.about.com/library/ glossary/bldef-segment.htm