Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science · Syllabus 0478 · Data Transmission
Payload
What is Payload?
The payload is the part of a packet that holds the data being transmitted; it carries only part of the original data and does not contain the addressing information.
This definition is part of the Data Transmission chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science.
Payload in context
A packet of data contains a packet header, a payload and a trailer. The packet header includes the destination address, the packet number and the originator's address. The payload is the part of the data being transmitted that this packet is carrying. The trailer is the information at the end of the packet; depending on the protocol in use it may contain error-checking information and a marker showing that the end of the packet has been reached.
Common mistakes with Payload
- Trap. Do not put any of these in the payload. The payload holds part of the data being transmitted and nothing else.
Examiner tips on Payload
- Read the verbs, not just the nouns. Topic 2 is dominated by describe and explain. A list of nouns — “header, payload, trailer” — answers identify, not describe. A described process needs the steps in the right order, and an explained choice needs the reason tied back to the scenario you were given.