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Packet coalescing

(also interrupt coalescing)

Packet coalescing definition

Packet coalescing is a process of merging network packets to decrease the number of system interrupts. Packet coalescing usually lowers the amount of processing needed. Instead of flooding the system with interrupts for each packet, they are grouped, and only one interrupt is generated for multiple packets.

Real packet coalescing examples

In multiplayer gaming, players that own a computer with a powerful CPU may choose to turn off packet coalescing because it can reduce latency.