This key facts covers Advantages of Packet Switching within Packet Switching for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Packet Switching in 3.5 Fundamentals of Computer Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Advantages of Packet Switching
- Efficient use of network: Multiple transmissions share same links simultaneously
- Resilient to failures: If one route fails, packets take alternative path
- No dedicated line needed: Unlike circuit switching, no permanent connection required
- Fault tolerance: Lost/damaged packets can be retransmitted without resending everything
- Load balancing: Network traffic distributed across multiple routes
- Cost effective: Shares network infrastructure among many users
- Handles congestion: Packets routed around busy network sections
Practice questions for Packet Switching
Which of the following best describes packet switching?
Explain why packets from the same file can travel by different routes through a network. [2 marks]