packet switching

communications A communications paradigm in which packets

(messages or fragments of messages) are individually routed

between nodes, with no previously established communication

path. Packets are routed to their destination through the

most expedient route (as determined by some routing

algorithm). Not all packets travelling between the same two

hosts, even those from a single message, will necessarily

follow the same route.

The destination computer reassembles the packets into their

appropriate sequence. Packet switching is used to optimise

the use of the bandwidth available in a network and to

minimise the latency. X.25 is an international standard

packet switching network.

Also called connectionless. Opposite of circuit switched

or connection-oriented. See also virtual circuit,

wormhole routing.

(1999-03-30)