[W/K] :: packet switching

  packet switching
       
           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)