packet transmission

communications

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Packet switching is a communications technology that divides data into smaller blocks called packets for transmission across a network. This method enhances speed and efficiency compared to older circuit-switched networks. Each packet contains a portion of the data and is sent independently, then reassembled at its destination. This approach was first used in 1971.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

firewall
…external connection requests, or digital packets, may be routed to a heavily secured “bastion host” server designed to withstand attack or to a larger “demilitarized zone,” a controlled network between the internal network and the outside. The firewall then evaluates the packet based on programmed security policies and decides whether…
Read More
…external connection requests, or digital packets, may be routed to a heavily secured “bastion host” server designed to withstand attack or to a larger “demilitarized zone,” a controlled network between the internal network and the outside. The firewall then evaluates the packet based on programmed security policies and decides whether…
Read More

telecommunications network
Switched communications network
…data in small pieces called packets, each of which proceeds independently through the network. In a process called store-and-forward, each packet is temporarily stored at each intermediate node, then forwarded when the next link becomes available. In a connection-oriented transmission scheme, each packet takes the same route through the network,…
Read More
…data in small pieces called packets, each of which proceeds independently through the network. In a process called store-and-forward, each packet is temporarily stored at each intermediate node, then forwarded when the next link becomes available. In a connection-oriented transmission scheme, each packet takes the same route through the network,…
Read More