Packet Switching

Patch switching occurs when the message or communication is decomposed into smaller segments and sent across the intermediary networks to the expected destination. It is usually related with logical connections because the link is just a logically defined path among many possible paths. Furthermore, in packet switching communications, chops the packets into smaller segments and each segment passes a circuit to reach its destination.

Data is chunked into smaller units known as packets before it entered into the network or communication medium. Packet switching communication has variable delays because each segment could take its own unique path to the specified destination. Each segment of data contains its own header information that indicates the source and destination address of the message. Each intermediary network system reads and employed to track the route each packets takes to reach its intended destination. Unlike circuit switching, each intermediary channel or communication path dedicated for use only while a packet actually traverses the communication channel. In other words, as soon as the packet is transferred, the communication channel is made available for other consecutive communication services.

The main difference between packet switching and circuit switching communications include the following:

• Circuit switching transmits constant traffic while packet switching applicable bursty traffic transmission
• Circuit switching incurs fixed known delays when transmitting information, whereas packet switching incurs variable delay throughout the transmission process
• Circuit switching is connection-oriented transmission whereas packet switching communication is connectionless
• Circuit switching is more sensitive for loss of connection during transmission of information while highly sensitive to data loss
• Circuit switching is applicable for audio and video streaming while packet switched communication is applicable for any type of network traffic