Disadvantages of Packet Switching
Part of Packet Switching · GCSE GCSE Computer Science revision
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.
Topic position
Section 7 of 12
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
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Packet Switching. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
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]
Quick Recall Flashcards
15 questions on Packet Switching — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 18 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
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