Packet Switching

• Switching (as in switched connections) refers to finding a path for data transmission across a number of potential links between sender and receiver. On the other hand, analog and digital connections require a fixed connection to exist, at least for the duration of each communication session. Switching methods include both circuit switching and packet switching. Essentially, when data is received on an incoming line, the switching device must find an appropriate outgoing line on which to forward it. These switching devices are usually called routers, based on the functions they perform.
• data package is broken into packers and each package is tagged with a destination address and other info.
• relayed through stations in a computer network
• data paths for individual packets depend on the best route at any given instant. The main point is that the small, individual packets are all take their own route to the destination, and an error in any one of them is easier to correct than a huge chunk of data
• These networks are sometimes called "any to any networks"
• Can use a virtual circuit
• logical connection between the sending computer and the receiving computer
• not actual cable, but bandwidth used on demand
• Can use a Switched Virtual Circuit to establish a connection over a specific route.
• Permanent Virtual Circuits allow the customer to pay for only the time that the line is used.