This key facts covers Disadvantages of Packet Switching within Packet Switching for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Packet Switching in 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 7 of 11 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 11
Practice
15 questions
Recall
18 flashcards
Disadvantages of Packet Switching
- Packets arrive out of order: Need reassembly, adding processing overhead
- Variable latency: Different routes = different arrival times (bad for real-time like VoIP)
- Header overhead: Each packet needs header/trailer, reducing payload efficiency
- Packets can be lost: Need retransmission protocols (TCP)
- Complex routing: Routers need to make decisions for every packet
- Security concerns: Packets can be intercepted at any router along route