3.1.11 - Explain how data is transmitted by packet switching.

Question 1

What is packet-switching?

Answer 1

Packing-switching is a method of grouping data into packets that are transmitted over a digital network. Packets are made of a header and a payload.

Question 2

Describe packet-switching.

Answer 2

Data Division: The data to be transmitted is divided into small, fixed-size packets. Each packet typically contains a portion of the original data along with some header information.
Routing: Each packet is then independently routed through the network based on information contained in its header. The routing decisions are made dynamically by network routers, which determine the best path for each packet to reach its destination.
Transmission: The packets are transmitted individually across the network. They may take different paths and may even arrive at the destination out of order.
Reassembly: Upon reaching the destination, the packets are reassembled into the original data by the receiving device using information in the packet headers.