**Switching** involves sending data along routes so that it can be sent from the sender to the receiver. **Packet switching** is a switching method in which data to be sent is divided into packets that are separately routed by switches.

# Procedure

Each packet contains the address of the destination, the data to be delivered, and other control information. Upon arrival, each switch looks at the destination address and forwards the packet to the appropriate switch.  Hence, each packet may follow a different route to its destination.

Because packets can arrive at the destination out of order, the receiver uses the control information inside the packets to order them correctly.

Take a look at the illustration below:

# Advantages and Disadvantages

The following are some advantages and disadvantages of packet switching:

### Advantages

* Multiple users can use the same channel.

* In case of a malfunction, packets can be routed around the malfunctioning component.

### Disadvantages

* A transmission delay occurs at the switches.

* Complex protocols are required for packet switching to work.

What is packet switching?

Data is divided into packets that are separately routed, allowing for multiple users and rerouting around issues but causing transmission delays.