This key facts covers Disadvantages 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 7 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and 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
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]