3.1.11 Flashcards
(6 cards)
What is a packet?
A packet is the unit of data that is routed between an origin and a destination.
What is packet switching?
Packet switching is a method of transmitting data across a network by breaking the data into smaller, manageable packets that are sent independently, potentially taking different routes to reach the destination.
What happens when data is broken into packets for packet switching?
The data is divided into small packets. Each packet is tagged with a header containing routing information, such as the destination address and a sequence number.
How are packets routed in packet switching?
Packets are routed independently by routers or switches in the network. Each router checks the header information to determine the best route for the packet to travel, which may change for each packet.
What happens once the packets arrive at the destination?
Once all packets arrive at the destination, they are reassembled in the correct order using the sequence number in the header, ensuring the original message is reconstructed.
What happens if a packet is lost or corrupted in packet switching?
If a packet is lost or corrupted during transmission, the system requests a retransmission from the source to ensure reliable data delivery.
