In the context of computer networking, which of the following best describes…
2024
In the context of computer networking, which of the following best describes the transmission of a message using packet switching?
Answer: A. Data packets may follow different routes and may arrive at different times in a different order. — ConceptPacket switching divides a message into packets that the network can handle independently. In a datagram packet-switched network, each router forwards…
- A.
Data packets may follow different routes and may arrive at different times in a different order.
- B.
Data packets will always follow the same route and arrive at the same time in the same order.
- C.
Data packets will always follow the same route but could arrive at different times in a different order.
- D.
Data packets may follow different routes but will always arrive at the same time in the same order.
Attempted by 209 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
Packet switching divides a message into packets that the network can handle independently. In a datagram packet-switched network, each router forwards a packet according to its current routing information and network conditions.
Application
Because packets are handled independently, packets from the same message can take different routes. Different queueing and transmission delays on those routes can also make them arrive at different times and out of their original order.
Contrast
A fixed route, identical arrival time, and preserved order describe guarantees that ordinary datagram packet switching does not provide.
A fixed route with variable delay allows timing variation but omits the independent route choice of datagrams.
Different routes with identical arrival time and guaranteed order ignore the unequal delay and possible reordering created by independent forwarding.
Cross-check
Where ordered delivery is required, a transport protocol such as TCP uses sequence numbers to reorder received data. The need for reordering is consistent with packets taking different routes and experiencing different delays.
Therefore, the best description is: data packets may follow different routes and may arrive at different times in a different order.