packets definition

<networking> A network monitoring tool that captures data packets and decodes them using built-in knowledge of common protocols. Sniffers are used to debug and monitor networking problems.

(01 Mar 1995)

Preferred term: packet switching

<communications> A communications paradigm in which packets (messages or fragments of messages) are individually routed between nodes, with no previously established communication path. Packets are routed to their destination through the most expedient route (as determined by some routing algorithm). Not all packets travelling between the same two hosts, even those from a single message, will necessarily follow the same route.

The destination computer reassembles the packets into their appropriate sequence. Packet switching is used to optimise the use of the bandwidth available in a network and to minimise the latency. X.25 is an international standard packet switching network.

Also called connectionless. Opposite of circuit switched or connection-oriented.

See also: virtual circuit, wormhole routing.

(01 Apr 1999)

(PSN) A dedicated computer whose purpose is to accept, route and forward packets in a packet-switched network.

Acronym: PSN

(01 Mar 1994)