This 64-bit counter tracks the total number of Ethernet frames transmitted outbound for a given VLAN/MAC address combination on the device. Network staff use it alongside the outbound octet counter to characterize traffic patterns, such as determining whether outbound activity consists of many small frames or fewer large ones. For example, a rapid rise in this frame counter without a matching rise in outbound octets could point to a burst of small control or keepalive packets rather than bulk data transfer.