What defines a broadcast frame?

A broadcast frame is defined as a frame that is addressed to all nodes on a network. This means that when a broadcast frame is sent, every device connected to the network can receive and process it. This is particularly useful for sending messages where the intended recipients are not known in advance, allowing all devices to act upon the information if necessary.

Broadcast frames are commonly used for network discovery protocols, where a device may need to communicate with all other devices to gather information or perform functions like addressing and configuration. Because every device processes the broadcast, it facilitates communication across the network without needing to specify individual address targets.

In contrast, frames addressed to a specific node only reach that designated device, which limits their reach and influence across the network. Control signals and error messages typically involve more specific targeting or context, rather than being indiscriminately sent to all devices.