PACKET SWITCHED NETWORKS
By Pauline M. Berry
In the packet-switched environment, messages, or information, are sent over the
network in short bursts of data known as "packets". Each packet holds up to 512
bytes of data, equal to three-quarters of a page of text. Larger transmissions
are transparently broken into packets of 512 bytes and seamlessly reassembled
at the receiving end.
Packet switched networks have several advantages relative to circuit switched
networks:
Packet switched networks are more cost efficient:
- they require no call set-up time (resulting in faster delivery of traffic)
- users can efficiently share the same channel (resulting in lower cost)
Packet switched networks permit sessionless communications.
(resulting in ability to "push" messages all the way through to recipient as opposed to
waiting for recipient to "pull" them through). Bringing the following
benefits:
- allows host computer initiated communications
- provides for store and forward capabilities
- does not require dedicated communications resources for multiple end users
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