What is a Packet-Switched Network

A Packet-Switched Network is a network that breaks down communications between computing devices into packets.  A packet switched network is one of the most commonly used computer networks and most Internet traffic goes over packet-switching networks.

A packet-switched network generally works on the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol suite or the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layer. For data to be transmitted over a network, it is first distributed into small packets, which depend on the data’s protocol and overall size. Each packet contains various details, such as a source IP address, destination IP address and unique data and packet identifiers.

The segregation of data into small packets enables efficient data transportation and better utilization of the network medium/channel. More than one user, application and/or node may take turns sending and receiving data without permanently retaining the underlying medium/channel, as in a circuit switched network.

A packet switched is also known as a connectionless network, as it does not create a permanent connection between a source and destination node.

Pros of Packet Switching

• In packet switching, data packets can find the destination address without traveling on one dedicated channel.
• Packet switching allows the sender to resend missing or dropped packets. Thus there is reduced packet loss.
• Transmission of Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) audio and data is less expensive because dedicated channels are unnecessary.

Cons of Packet Switching

• It does not fully support communication methods that are constantly used, such as high-volume voice calls.
• There is no security protocol for the data packets sent across the network.
• Packet loss is still possible, especially when traffic flow is very high. These packets can not be resent again.