Packet switching is a method of data transmission where messages are broken into packets and sent individually over the network.

Elaboration:

• Used in TCP/IP-based networks like the Internet.
• More efficient than circuit switching because it allows multiple devices to share network bandwidth.
• Types:
  • Datagram packet switching (connectionless, e.g., UDP)
  • Virtual circuit switching (connection-oriented, e.g., TCP)

Example:

When sending an email, the message is broken into packets, each taking different routes, and reassembled at the destination.