from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
packet switching
packet switch
packet-switched
<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)