Packet switching splits traffic data (for instance, digital representation of sound or computer data) into chunks, called packets. Packet switching is similar to message switching. Any message exceeding a network defined maximum length is broken up into shorter units, known as packets, for transmission. The packets each with an associated header are then transmitted individually through the networks. These packets are routed over a shared network. Packet switching networks do not require a circuit to be established and allow many pairs of nodes to communicate almost simultaneously over the same channel. Each packet is individually addressed precluding the need for a dedicated path to help the packet final its way to its destination. Packet switching is used to optimize the use of the channel capacity available in a network, to minimize the transmission latency & to increase robustness of communication.
