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Definition: fragmentation


(1) See Android fragmentation.

(2) Storing data in non-contiguous areas on disk. As files are updated, new data are stored in available free space, which may not be contiguous. Fragmented files cause extra head movement, slowing disk accesses. A defragger program is used to rewrite and reorder all the files.

(3) In an IP network, breaking a data packet into smaller pieces in order to accommodate the maximum transmission unit of the network. See IP fragmentation.